“More than you'll pay for it, friend,” snuffled the Jew.
“How do you know that?” rejoined Jack. “Will you take a guinea for it?”
“Double that sum might tempt me,” replied the Jew; “it's a nobleman's coat, upon my shoul!”
“Here's the money,” replied Jack, taking the coat.
“Shall I help you on with it, Sir?” replied the Jew, becoming suddenly respectful.
“No,” replied Jack.
“I half suspect this is a highwayman,” thought the Jew; “he's so ready with his cash. I've some other things inside, Sir, which you might wish to buy,—some pistols.”
Jack was about to comply; but not liking the man's manner, he walked on.
Further on, there was a small chandler's shop, where Jack observed an old woman seated at the counter, attended by a little girl. Seeing provisions in the window, Jack ventured in and bought a loaf. Having secured this,—for he was almost famished,—he said that he had lost a hammer and wished to purchase one. The old woman told him she had no such article to dispose of, but recommended him to a neighbouring blacksmith.
Guided by the glare of the forge, which threw a stream of ruddy light across the road, Jack soon found the place of which he was in search. Entering the workshop, he found the blacksmith occupied in heating the tire of a cart wheel. Suspending his labour on Jack's appearance, the man demanded his business. Making up a similar story to that which he had told the old woman, he said he wanted to purchase a hammer and a file.