whether his visitor buys or not. Presently the latter, also anxious
not to appear too eager, exclaims, "Let's look at it." A piece is
leisurely handed down, and the customer inquires in a disparaging
tone, "How much?"

"Six and a half," and the speaker again appears absorbed in
meditation.

"Give thee six," says the customer, rising as if to go.

"Wait, thou art very dear to us; to thee alone will I give a special
price, six and a quarter."

"No, no," replies the customer, shaking his finger before his face, as
though to emphasize his refusal of even such special terms.

"Al-l-láh!" piously breathes the dealer, as he gazes abstractedly out
of the door, presently adding in the same devout tone, "There is no
god but God! God curse the infidels!"

"Come, I'll give thee six and an okea"--of which latter six and a half
go to the 'quarter' peseta or franc of which six were offered.

"No, six and five is the lowest I can take."

The might-be purchaser made his last offer in a half-rising posture,
and is now nearly erect as he says, "Then I can't buy; give it me for
six and three," sitting down as though the bargain were struck.

"No, I never sell that quality for less than six and four, and it's a