A long pause then ensued. Jack thinking whether he should put the question boldly as to what Sponge would give him for effecting a sale, or should beat about the bush a little. At last he thought it would be most prudent to beat about the bush, and see if Sponge would make an offer.
'Well,' said Jack, 'I'll s—s—s—see what I can do.'
'That's a good fellow,' said Sponge; adding, 'I'll remember you if you do.'
'I dare say I can s—s—s—sell them both, for that matter,' observed Jack, encouraged by the promise.
'Well,' replied Sponge, 'I'll take the same for the chestnut; there isn't the toss-up of a halfpenny for choice between them.'
'Well,' said Jack,' we'll s—s—s—see them next week.'
'Just so,' said Sponge.
'You r—r—ride well up to the h—h—hounds,' continued Jack; 'and let his lordship s—s—see w—w—what they can do.'
'I will,' said Sponge, wishing he was at work.