We will not leave them uncracked. We will consume a few without
fashionable improvements."
Here the German sat down on one side of the table, Bonaparte on the other;
each one with a couple of flat stones before him, and the plate between
them.
"Do not be afraid," said the German, "do not be afraid. I do not forget
the boy at the fire; I crack for him. The bag is full. Why, this is
strange," he said suddenly, cracking upon a large nut; "three kernels! I
have not observed that before. This must be retained. This is valuable."
He wrapped the nut gravely in paper, and put it carefully in his waistcoat
pocket. "Valuable, very valuable!" he said, shaking his head.
"Ah, my friend," said Bonaparte, "what joy it is to be once more in your
society."
The German's eyes glistened, and Bonaparte seized his hand and squeezed it
warmly. They then proceeded to crack and eat. After a while Bonaparte
said, stuffing a handful of raisins into his mouth:
"I was so deeply grieved, my dear friend, that you and Tant Sannie had some
slight unpleasantness this evening."
"Oh, no, no," said the German; "it is all right now. A few sheep missing;
but I make it good myself. I give my twelve sheep, and work in the other
eight."
"It is rather hard that you should have to make good the lost sheep, said
Bonaparte; "it is no fault of yours.
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