CHAPTER XLV.
Bought and Exchanged--Quite Empty--A New Firm--Bibles--Countenance of a Lion--Clap of Thunder--A Truce with This--I Have Lost It--Clearly a Right--Goddess of the Mint.
In pursuance of my promise to the old woman, I set about procuring her a Bible with all convenient speed, placing the book which she had intrusted to me for the purpose of exchange in my pocket.

I went to several shops and asked if Bibles were to be had: I found that there were plenty.
When, however, I informed the people that I came to barter, they looked blank, and declined treating with me; saying that they did not do business in that way.

At last I went into a shop over the window of which I saw written, "Books bought and exchanged:" there was a smartish young fellow in the shop, with black hair and whiskers; "You exchange ?" said I.

"Yes," said he, "sometimes, but we prefer selling; what book do you want ?" "A Bible," said I.

"Ah," said he, "there's a great demand for Bibles just now; all kinds of people are becoming very pious of late," he added, grinning at me; "I am afraid I can't do business with you, more especially as the master is not at home.