THE LITTLE BROWN MAN FELL ON HIS KNEES AND SAID, “OH, A SHILLING AND A PENNY.”
“I don’t believe you have got anything to give,” said Jack, cunningly; “I see nothing but that ring on your finger, and the old woman.”
“But I have a great many things at home, sir,” said the brown man, wiping his eyes; “and besides, that ring would be cheap at a shilling—even a shilling of mortal coin.”
“Would the slave be cheap at a penny?” said Jack.
“Would you give a penny for her, dear sir?” inquired Clink, trembling with eagerness.
“She is honest,” answered Jack; “ask her whether I had better buy her with this penny.”
“It does not matter what she says,” replied the brown man; “I would sell twenty such as she is for a penny—a real one.”
“Ask her,” repeated Jack; and the poor little woman wept bitterly, but she said “No.”
“Why not?” asked Jack; but she only hung down her head and cried.
“I’ll make you suffer for this,” said the brown man. But when Jack took out the shilling, and said, “Shall I buy you with this, slave?” his eyes actually shot out sparks, he was so eager.