The Latin of the enthusiastic shopman was becoming almost Ciceronian,
when Tristram pulled out the coin, and holding it under his nose
briefly stated the case. Then the wizened face fell a full inch, and
the eloquent voice broke off to explain that an English shilling,
though doubtless a valid tender in England, was not worth more than a
stiver, if that, to a Dutch tradesman.
Tristram apologised, adding that, if the shopman had a pennyworth of
any kind of seed, he would purchase it as a small reparation for his
intrusion on the time of so learned a man.
The shopman took the shilling and tossed upon the counter a packet of
pepper-cress seed.
Our hero pocketed it, and was leaving the shop; but paused on the
threshold and began to renew his apologies.
The little man had picked up his book again, and turned a deaf ear.
Tristram stepped out into the street. As he did so a hand was laid
on his arm, and a voice said in good English:
"I arrest you in the name of King William!"
CHAPTER X.
THE TRIBULATIONS OF TRISTRAM.
"I think there must be some mistake," said Tristram, as he turned in
surprise and saw a tall man of soldierly presence, with three
stalwart comrades immediately behind him.
"No mistake at all," said the tall man, with conviction.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181