He had disappointed me twice, because he did not come quite close enough to me to make my project entirely safe; but this time I succeeded; I captured the lower clasp of the three, and when he missed it he thought he had lost it on the way.
I had a chance to be glad about a minute, then straightway a chance to be sad again.

For when the purchase was about to fail, as usual, the master suddenly spoke up and said what would be worded thus -- in modern English: "I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'm tired supporting these two for no good.

Give me twenty-two dollars for this one, and I'll throw the other one in." The king couldn't get his breath, he was in such a fury.

He began to choke and gag, and meantime the master and the gentleman moved away discussing.
"An ye will keep the offer open--" "'Tis open till the morrow at this hour." "Then I will answer you at that time," said the gentleman, and disappeared, the master following him.
I had a time of it to cool the king down, but I managed it.
I whispered in his ear, to this effect: "Your grace _will_ go for nothing, but after another fashion.