"It is absurd.

I could never accept two hundred shekels for a piece of stonework.

Then indeed you might say that you had fallen among thieves on the banks of Jordan.No.If my uncles will permit it and there is time, I will do my poor best for fifty--only, sir, I advise you against it, since to win that bad likeness you must sit for many weary hours." "So be it," said Marcus.

"As soon as I get to any civilised place I will send you enough commissions to make the beggars in these parts rich for life, and at a very different figure.

Let us begin at once." "Sir, I have no leave." "The matter," explained Ithiel, "must be laid before the Court of Curators, which will decide upon it to-morrow.