"Well, young missy," said the woman, "you better buy 'em of her. I reckon she'll sell out for 'bout fourpence."
This was a sensible proposition, and, as treasurer, I bought the stock, the queen having signified her willingness to the treaty by a dignified nod and a courtesy. She was very much given to style, which encouraged us a good deal.
"Now, then," said Rectus, who thought it was about time that the captain should have something to say, "you must tell her that she isn't to lay in any more stock. This is to be the end of her mercantile life."
I don't believe the woman translated all of this speech, but the queen gave another nod and courtesy, and I pocketed the peppers to keep as trophies. The other things we kept, to give to the children and make ourselves popular.
"How much do you think it would cost," asked Corny of me, "to make this place a little more like a palace?"
I made a rough sort of a calculation, and came to the conclusion that the room could be made a little more like a palace for about eight dollars.
"That's cheap enough," said Rectus to me. "You and I will each give four dollars."
"No, indeed!" said Corny. "I'm going to give some. How much is three into eight?"
"Two and two-thirds," said I, "or, in this case, two dollars, sixty-six cents and some sixes over."
"All right!" said Corny; "I'll ask father for three dollars. There ought to be something for extras. I'll tell mother what I want it for, and that will satisfy him. He can know afterward. I don't think he ought to worry his lung with anything like this."