“Humph!” grunted the baron. “Your father has taught you prettily.”
“My lord,” resumed Catherine, “I came to buy my father’s liberty.”
“Ha!” cried the baron, eagerly, “have you brought the saucer?”
“No, my lord.” The baron’s countenance fell. “But, if you release my father, we have a goose at home that I will give you, and every egg it will lay for you shall be of pure gold.” The baron’s countenance lifted again. “This, my lord, I offer you.”
Peter’s eyes had been opening in wide astonishment as Kate proceeded.
“Why, Kate,” exclaimed he, “I don’t know about——”
“Be quiet, father!” said Catherine.
The baron thought Peter’s exclamation arose from his regret at parting with such a treasure; so his eagerness arose in proportion.
“Can you swear to the truth of this?” asked the baron.
“I can!” said Kate, firmly.