“Any knives or scissors to grind.”
THE EXCHANGES OF SIMPLE JOHN
Whrr, whrrr. John drew near and was struck dumb with amazement when he saw a wonderful machine, whirring round, at which a man was seated, shouting as he worked.
“Well,” said the man, “you are looking so attentively at my grindstone; would you like to learn the trade?”
“Isn’t it too difficult?” said John.
“Not really difficult; a clever boy like you would learn in no time. Yes, yes, my lad, it is a merry trade, and pays well. If you know your job, your grindstone works unceasingly and turns merrily all day long. Ah, my lad, if grindstones were not so expensive, every one would be able to earn a living.”
“Oh,” said John, “are these stones so dear? What did the one you are using cost?”