"Why, yes," said Mr. Edwards, "I gave a great deal more for him than that. Haven't you any more money with you?"
"Not of my own," said Jonas.
"I suppose you got some for your produce."
"Yes, sir," said Jonas; "but it belongs to the farmer that I work with."
"And don't you think that he would be willing to have you pay a part of it for the dog?"
"I don't know, sir," said Jonas. "I know he likes the dog very much, but I have no authority to buy him with his money."
If Jonas had been willing to have used his employer's money without authority, Mr. Edwards would not have taken it. He made the inquiry to see whether Jonas was trustworthy.
After a few minutes' pause, Mr. Edwards resumed the conversation, as follows:—
"Well, Jonas," said he, "I have been thinking of this a little, and have concluded to let you keep the dog for me a little while,—that is, if he is willing to go with you. But remember he is my property still, and I shall have a right to call for him, whenever I choose, and you must give him up to me."
"Yes, sir," said Jonas, "I will. And I wish that you would not agree to sell him to any body else, without letting me know."