No, no, you'll niver make Hurry's scalp pass for
more than a good head of curly hair, and a rattle pate beneath it!"
"My old prisoner very wise - king of the lake - great warrior, wise
counsellor!"
"Well, there's them that might gainsay all this, too, Mingo. A
very wise man wouldn't be apt to be taken in so foolish a manner as
befell Master Hutter, and if he gives good counsel, he must have
listened to very bad in that affair. There's only one king of
this lake, and he's a long way off, and isn't likely ever to see
it. Floating Tom is some such king of this region, as the wolf
that prowls through the woods is king of the forest. A beast with
two tails is well worth two such scalps!"
"But my brother has another beast? - He will give two" - holding
up as many fingers, "for old father?"
"Floating Tom is no father of mine, but he'll fare none the worse
for that. As for giving two beasts for his scalp, and each beast
with two tails, it is quite beyond reason. Think yourself well
off, Mingo, if you make a much worse trade."
By this time the self-command of Rivenoak had got the better of his
wonder, and he began to fall back on his usual habits of cunning,
in order to drive the best bargain he could.
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