A Young Man in a light suit, and a paste pin in a dirty white necktie, has arrived with a chest, from which he extracts a quantity of small parcels in coloured tissue-paper.
The Young Man (as a group collects around him). Now, I'm 'ere to orfer those among yer who 'ave the courage to embark in speckilation an unrivalled opportunity of enriching themselves at next to no expense. Concealed in each o' these small porcels is a prize o' more or less value, amongst them bein', I may tell yer, two 'undred threepenny pieces, not to mention 'igher coins up to 'arf a sov'rin. Mind, I promise nothing—I only say this: that those who show confidence in me I'll reward beyond their utmost expectations.( To an Agricultural Labourer in the circle.) 'Ere, you Sir, 'ave you ever seen me before in all your life?
"Concealed in each o' these small porcels is a prize o' more or less value."
The Agricultural Labourer (with a conscientious fear of committing himself). I may 'ave.
The Young Man. You may 'ave! 'Ave you? 'Ave I ever seen you? Come now!
The Agr. L. (cautiously). I carn't answer fur what you've seen, Sir.
The Y. M. Well, are you a friend o' mine?
The A. L. (after inward searchings). Not as I'm aweer on.
The Y. M. Then take this packet.(The A. L. grins and hesitates.) Give me a penny for it.(The A. L. hangs back.) Do as I say! (His tone is so peremptory that the A. L. hastens to obey.) Now don't open that till I tell you, and don't go away—or I shall throw the money after yer. (The A. L. remains in meek expectation; Old Billy Fairplay, and a Spotty-faced Man, happen to pass; and join the group out of innocent curiosity.) Will you give me a penny for this, Sir? (To the Spotty-faced One, who shakes his head.) To oblige Me! (This is said in such an insinuating tone, that it is impossible to resist him.) Now you've shown your confidence in me, will you open that packet and show the company what it contains.