"It is too high for me," said the Sly Old Fox, positively. "I regret to say it, but I am compelled to withdraw; I cannot go on at such a figure. Please consider me out of it." "And--er--me too," said the Old Codger with the Wooden Leg. "Well," said Toby, doubtfully, "it's a blamed hard thing to give up all that treasure for one of these here little toys. I don't see my way clear to doing it. What do you say, Aunt Amanda?" "I'll do it," said Aunt Amanda, looking at Shiraz, whose eyes were still on her. "I've come all this way to do it, and I'll do it. I ain't going to back out now at the last minute. My mind's made up. Mr. Shiraz, I'll buy an hour-glass." "By crackey," said Toby, "then I will too. What about you, Freddie?" "Oh, yes, indeed," said Freddie. "Hi'll 'ave one myself," said Mr. Punch. "After due consideration," said the Churchwarden, "I think I will buy one also." Mr. Hanlon nodded a vigorous assent. The two Old Codgers, however, were firm in their refusal. They could not be persuaded. They retired from the enterprise then and there. Under the conduct of the young man, the two Old Codgers left the room, and returned to the Committee who were waiting with the mules outside; and with them went Toby and Mr. Punch and Mr. Hanlon, to bring back that portion of the treasure which was to pay for the six hour-glasses. This was a work of much difficulty, and occupied a great deal of time. While it was going on, the Rug-Merchant, having first asked permission, reclined again on the divan and resumed his pipe, while Aunt Amanda, Freddie, and the Churchwarden seated themselves, at his invitation, and watched him in silence. The treasure was at length piled, complete, in a corner of the room. Toby, Mr. Punch, and Mr. Hanlon returned for the last time, and without the great-great-grandson of the Rug-Merchant. "The others will wait outside for an hour," said Toby. "If we don't come back by that time, they'll go on into the city without us." Shiraz the Rug-Merchant laid down the stem of his pipe, and rising bowed to Aunt Amanda with great deference. "Permit me, most gracious lady," said he, "to see the fingers of your left hand." He took in his own right hand the third finger of Aunt Amanda's left, and bent his eyes close over it. He straightened himself up with a long breath, and crossing his arms upon his breast, made a low salaam. "It is as I thought," said he. "The mark is here, on the third finger of the left hand. Highness," said he, bowing lower, "I pray you accept your servant's salutation on your return." And raising her hand to his lips, he kissed it in a very courtly manner. "Goodness alive!" said Aunt Amanda, turning as red as a rose, "you make me feel too foolish for anything."