"Would not take a present of them gratis," cried a fourth.
"Spanish three's reduced—who'll buy?" said a fifth.
"Reduced to nothing," said a sixth.
"Portuguese deferred annuities?" said a seventh.
"Deferred to the day of judgment," answered an eight.
"Glenmutchkins—guaranteed stock, 5 premium, ex div.," said a ninth.
"Won't do, Sauley," said a tenth—"won't do at any price."
And so on it went, all the dealers bawling and squabbling together, and trying to depreciate one another's wares.
But, in the meantime, a certain one came up to Littlefaith in the crowd, and seeing him in company with Premium, he asked him if he were inclined to sell his scrip.
Whereupon Littlefaith, turning round, saw that it was his old neighbour, Plausible, and answering, said, "Of a truth such was my errand hither, but what with the din and bustle about me, I doubt I shall never pluck up heart to find a purchaser."