“In trade I might. You stop talking, or the dress I am going to sell you will fall to pieces in washing.”
The girl was bending over the pack when the commandant entered. He looked a little angry when he saw the peddler.
“Don’t attempt to ply your trade here, sir. Go elsewhere.”
“Why, squire, as to that, the way I look at it is this: You gave me two days to trade, and you didn’t say where I should go in particular. You didn’t buy any thing, and I thought your daughter might want a few traps.”
“Where do you intend to pass the night?”
“I don’t know. But surely some one will be glad to entertain me, and take some of my wares in consideration. I’ve picked up a good many furs since I came out here, and they are getting heavy. I can’t travel far in a day.”
“You should have a horse,” said Theresa, looking up from the pack, which she was turning over after a woman’s fashion.
“I did have one when I came, but old Paul Swedlepipe wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, but would have him.”
“I’ll wager my commission that he paid for the horse,” said Van Curter, with a laugh. “How much did he give you?”
“Seventy-five guilders. I look upon it in the light of a praiseworthy action—giving that hoss away.”