I kept it for the owner."
"Oh, well; if you can't sell it, it doesn't matter."
"It is for sale now," said Eliakim, quickly. "He has not come
for it, and I shall keep it no longer. Just try it. See what a
sp-l-endid instrument it is!" said the pawnbroker, dwelling on
the adjective to give emphasis to it.
Paul tried it, but not knowing how to play, of course created
only discord. He did not offer it to Phil, because the young
Italian boy would have made it sound too well and so enhanced the
price.
"It don't sound very well," said he, indifferently; "but I
suppose it will do to learn on. What do you want for it?"
"Five dollars," said Eliakim, studying the face of Paul, to
observe the effect of his announcement.
"Five dollars," repeated Paul. "Take it back, then, and wait
till A. T. Stewart wants one. I haven't got five dollars to
throw away."
But the pawnbroker did not expect to get his first price. He
named it, in order to have a chance to fall.
"Stay," he said, as Paul made a motion to leave; "what will you
give me for it?"
"I'll give you a dollar and a half," said Paul, turning back.
"A dollar and a half!" exclaimed Eliakim, holding up both hands
in horror.
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