"Oh yes, I can pay for it if I want it," I said, "but what do you call a lot of money? How much do you want for it?"
He named a price which I knew to be very excessive, and I shook my head decidedly.
"No! too much!" I declared.
"Oh! but see! Beautiful crystal!" he argued.
"No," I replied, "too much! I'll give you half," and I began to walk unconcernedly out of the shop.
"And you give me little present besides?" pleaded Mustapha.
"Not a penny," said I.
The man gave a little sigh.
"Oh well, you take him," he said. "Not enough money, but Mustapha very poor, must sell him. I wrap him up for you, see!"