'Not reckoning the strawberries, which I must pay something extra for, the amount is one dollar and a half.' Jim looked up with astonishment. 'I have calculated them at city prices, but if that is not enough----' 'Oh yes, sir; yes, sir. I was not thinking of that; it is much more than I expected.' 'And now for the strawberries, what shall I say for them? they are finer than those I usually purchase.' 'Oh, sir, I cannot think of taking any thing for them, since you allow me so much for the others; if you will only let me take some out and give that good man there (pointing to Peter), you are welcome to the rest.' 'Certainly, certainly, here Peter.' But Peter had other views of the matter, and instead of advancing to receive them, made two or three retrograde steps with his crutches, at the same time putting his hand upon his long queue and smoothing it down--a custom of his when at all confused, and rolling a tremendous quid from one side of his mouth to the other. 'The young gentleman wishes to give you some of these, Peter.' 'Thankee, sir, thankee;' nodding his head very fast all the time; 'no occasion at all.' 'Well, Peter, since you refuse them, take this basket and hand it to Mrs. Morris yourself.' 'Ay, ay, sir;' and away went Peter in double-quick time. In the meanwhile, Sam manifested no impatience, although somewhat anxious as to what would be _his_ fate; the moment Jim could with propriety, he directed the attention of the gentleman to Sam's little heap of clams and oysters. Sam took off the seaweed which he had thrown over them, and blushed deeply as he met the keen black eye of Major Morris, which having glanced a moment at _them_, was scrutinizing with apparent interest the appearance of their owner. As Sam had no more idea of fixing a price than Jim had, the buyer was obliged to pay for them on his own terms; so handing him fifty cents, he said, 'I fear it will not compensate you for the trouble of bringing them so far, but it is the rate for which I buy them.' Sam expressed his perfect satisfaction the best way he could; for the eye of the major was so long fixed upon him, that it quite took away his self-possession. Having made arrangements to bring such articles as their garden afforded twice a week, with light and happy hearts, lighter and happier than can be well described, they pointed their sail and bent their course for home. The rock was to be their landing-place, and long before they reached it, Ned could be seen throwing stones and cutting capers with Jowler. 'Well, boys, how are you? what luck--sold any thing? I know by your looks you haven't!' 'How are you, Ned? any thing happened? You look sober.' 'No, nothing.'