As he gained his feet that amazing chair behaved in a manner wholly unusual and startling; relieved of strain, the springs snapped and whined, there was a violent oscillation of the back, a shudder convulsed the thing, and it sprang after him, much as a tame rabbit thumps its feet upon the ground in an effort to bluff a kitten.
The volunteer salesman spread out his dazzling wares upon the patchwork counterpane, then stepped back to observe the effect.

Ma Briskow's hands fluttered toward the gems, then reclasped themselves in her lap; she bent closer and regarded them fixedly.

The Juno-like daughter also stared down at the display with fascination.
After a moment Allegheny spoke, and her speaking voice was in pleasing contrast to the nasal notes of that interrupted song.

"Are them _real_ di'mon's ?" she queried, darkly.
"Oh yes! And most of them are of very fine quality." "Pa never told us a word," breathed the mother.

"He's _allus_ up to some trick." "Please examine them.