"Then, look you, governor, why can't I sell 'em? Yet have I walked a mile
and a half along this dismal place, offering these good and cheap 'uns; and
nobody don't buy none!"
"I do not wonder at all at that," I answered, to his astonishment.
"Tell us why not, governor."
"The people have no work, and are starving; there are plenty of houses
round here that have not a single penny in them," was my reply.
"Ah! then, governor," he rejoined, "I've put my foot in it this time; I
knew they was werry poor, but I thought three a penny 'ud tempt 'em. But if
they haven't the ha-pence, they can't spend 'em, sure enough; so there's
nothing for it but to carry 'em back, and try and sell 'em elsewhere. I
thought by selling cheap, arter buying cheap, I could do them good, and
earn a trifle for myself. But I'm done this time."
"How much will you take for the lot?" I inquired.
First a keen look at me, then down came the basket from his head, then a
rapid calculation, then a grinning inquiry, "Do you mean profit an' all,
governor?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll take four shillin', and be glad to get 'em."