“I ain’t sure,” replied the squire. “But you’re sure it’s good money; I see that, and you’re no fool.”
“Thank ye, sir,” said Jack, politely. And, seeing that the old man’s cupidity made him ready to believe almost anything, he added, “Now look here! If I’ll give you what money there is in the basket, will you be satisfied?”
Peternot started. “Satisfied? Sartin—I can’t tell—explain!”
“Will you take this, and leave me what there is still in the log? That’s what I mean,” said Jack, with an air of candor.
Peternot, astonished by this strange proposition, but afraid of being cheated out of a few dollars, asked, “How much is there in the log?” at the same time stooping with difficulty and peeping into the cavity.
“That’s my risk. Come, is it a bargain?”
“I thought you didn’t make bargains on the Sabbath day!”
“Well, I don’t,” laughed Jack, “unless some good man sets me the example. I’m only a boy,—it’s easy to corrupt me.”
“Corrupt you! you sassy, profane—”
“Sabbath-breaker,” suggested Jack, as Peternot hesitated for a word bad enough. “What do you say to my offer?”