“That is very true,” I remarked. “But as you were saying, you have not had the jewels many months; tell me, how did you procure them?”
“I bought them in the way of trade,” he answered briefly.
“I suppose so; but when, and from whom, I am curious to know,” I asked. He was determined not to give me the information I required in a hurry.
“What makes you wish to know?” he said.
My patience was sorely tried; and I began to fear that he had some reasons for not telling me. I tried, however to disguise my feelings.
“People take fancies into their heads sometimes,” I said. “Now, I have taken a fancy to trace where that same brooch, which I have just bought of you, came from; and as I always repay those who gratify my whims, I do not think you will be the loser if you tell me.”
“My answer is, that I bought it in the fair way of trade, and I can say no more,” he replied, preparing, with an obstinate look, to put his bamboo yoke over his shoulder, and to walk away.
“Then you will lose a good customer for your folly,” I observed, feeling now that the more anxiety I displayed the less likely he would be to give me a true answer.
“However, if you think better of it, come to me to-morrow at my hotel, and perhaps I may be disposed to make some more purchases of you. But, my friend, remember a wise merchant takes a good offer when it is made to him.”
“You have not made me an offer,” he observed.