When asked the price, he could only indicate by his fingers the number of pence he wanted for his goods.

At length he learned a little English,--at least sufficient "for the road;" and then he was sent into the country to sell his merchandize.

He was despatched every Monday morning with about forty shillings' worth of stock, and ordered to return home on Saturdays, or as much sooner as he liked, if he had sold all the pictures.

The only money his master allowed him at starting was fourpence.

When Bianconi remonstrated at the smallness of the amount, Faroni answered, "While you have goods you have money; make haste to sell your goods!" During his apprenticeship, Bianconi learnt much of the country through which he travelled.