I set about procuring her a
Bible with all convenient speed, placing the book which she had intrusted
to me for the purpose of exchange in my pocket. I went to several shops,
and asked if Bibles were to be had: I found that there were plenty. When,
however, I informed the people that I came to barter, they looked blank,
and declined treating with me; saying that they did not do business in
that way. At last I went into a shop over the window of which I saw
written, 'Books bought and exchanged': there was a smartish young fellow
in the shop, with black hair and whiskers; 'You exchange?' said I. 'Yes,'
said he, 'sometimes, but we prefer selling; what book do you want?' 'A
Bible,' said I. 'Ah,' said he, 'there's a great demand for Bibles just
now; all kinds of people are become very pious of late,' he added,
grinning at me; 'I am afraid I can't do business with you, more
especially as the master is not at home. What book have you brought?'
Taking the book out of my pocket, I placed it on the counter: the young
fellow opened the book, and inspecting the title-page, burst into a loud
laugh. 'What do you laugh for?' said I, angrily, and half clenching my
fist. 'Laugh!' said the young fellow; 'laugh! who could help laughing?'
'I could,' said I; 'I see nothing to laugh at; I want to exchange this
book for a Bible.' 'You do?' said the young fellow; 'well, I daresay
there are plenty who would be willing to exchange, that is, if they
dared. I wish master were at home; but that would never do, either.
Master's a family man, the Bibles are not mine, and master being a family
man, is sharp, and knows all his stock; I'd buy it of you, but, to tell
you the truth, I am quite empty here,' said he, pointing to his pocket,
'so I am afraid we can't deal.'

Whereupon, looking anxiously at the young man, 'What am I to do?' said I;
'I really want a Bible.'

'Can't you buy one?' said the young man; 'have you no money?'

'Yes,' said I, 'I have some, but I am merely the agent of another; I came
to exchange, not to buy; what am I to do?'

'I don't know,' said the young man, thoughtfully laying down the book on
the counter; 'I don't know what you can do; I think you will find some
difficulty in this bartering job, the trade are rather precise.' All at
once he laughed louder than before; suddenly stopping, however, he put on
a very grave look. 'Take my advice,' said he; 'there is a firm
established in this neighbourhood which scarce