He swung his terrible whip; and Gregor, with his two assistants,
darted under the counter, and made their escape. The Prince then
entered the booth, took up a yard-stick, and cried out in a voice
which could be heard from one end of the town to the other,--
"Ladies and gentlemen, have the kindness to come and examine
our stock of goods! We have silks and satins, and all kinds of
ladies' wear; also velvet, cloth, cotton, and linen for the
gentlemen. Will your Lordships deign to choose? Here are
stockings and handkerchiefs of the finest. We understand how to
measure, your Lordships, and we sell cheap. We give no change, and
take no small money. Whoever has no cash may have credit. Every
thing sold below cost, on account of closing up the establishment.
Ladies and gentlemen, give us a call?"

Everybody in Kinesma flocked to the booth, and for three hours
Prince Alexis measured and sold, either for scant cash or long
credit, until the last article had been disposed of and the shelves
were empty. There was great rejoicing in the community over the
bargains made that day. When all was over, Gregor was summoned,
and the cash received paid into his hands.

"It won't take you long to count it," said the Prince; but here is
a list of debts to be collected, which will furnish you with
pleasant occupation, and enable you to exercise your memory. Would
your Worship condescend to take dinner to-day with your humble
assistant? He would esteem it a favor to be permitted to wait upon
you with whatever his poor house can supply."

Gregor gave a glance at the whip under the Prince's arm, and begged
to be excused. But the latter would take no denial, and carried