he gave the old woman
a penny; then, after looking at me scrutinisingly for a moment, he moved
from the booth in the direction of Southwark.

'Do you know who that man is?' said I to the old woman.

'No,' said she, 'except that he is one of my best customers: he
frequently stops, takes an apple, and gives me a penny; his is the only
piece of money I have taken this blessed day. I don't know him, but he
has once or twice sat down in the booth with two strange-looking
men--Mulattos, or Lascars, I think they call them.'

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

BOUGHT AND EXCHANGED--QUITE EMPTY--A NEW FIRM--BIBLES--COUNTENANCE OF A
LION--CLAP OF THUNDER--LOST IT--CLEARLY A RIGHT--GODDESS OF THE MINT

In pursuance of my promise to the old woman, I set about procuring her a
Bible with all convenient speed, placing the book which she had entrusted
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,