I did not want a kerosene stove, but for fun I tried him on a low figure—
"Sixpence," I said.
"Whew!" The Persian looked about him dreamily. Did he sleep, did he dream?
"You don't buy a machine for sixpence," said he. "I bought this second-hand for eight-and-sixpence. I can offer it to you for nine shillings as a favour."
"Oh no, sixpence; not a farthing more."
I walked away.
"Five shillings," cried the Persian—"four shillings."
"Ninepence," I replied, and moved farther away.
"Two shillings." He bawled something more, inaudibly, but I was already out of hearing. I happened to repass his stall accidentally later in the morning.
"That kerosinka," said the Persian—"take it; it is yours at one shilling and sixpence."