“Speak!” he said to the fairy woman; “and if you don’t say ‘Yes,’ I’ll strike you.”
“He cannot buy me with that,” answered the fairy woman, “unless it is the most valuable coin he has got.”
The brown man, on hearing this, rose up in a rage, and was just going to strike her a terrible blow, when Jack cried out, “Stop!” and took out his half-crown.
“Can I buy you with this?” said he; and the fairy woman answered, “Yes.”
Upon this Clink drew a long breath, and his eyes grew bigger and bigger as he gazed at the half-crown.
“Shall she be my slave for ever, and not yours,” said Jack, “if I give you this?”
“She shall,” said the brown man. And he made such a low bow, as he took the money, that his head actually knocked the ground. Then he jumped up; and, as if he was afraid Jack should repent of his bargain, he ran off towards the hole in the hill with all his might, shouting for joy as he went.
“Slave,” said Jack, “that is a very ragged old apron that you have got, and your gown is quite worn out. Don’t you think we had better spend my shilling in buying you some new clothes? You look so very shabby.”
“Do I?” said the fairy woman, gently. “Well, master, you will do as you please.”
“But you know better than I do,” said Jack, “though you are my slave.”