Lavengro by George Borrow

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 entrusted 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 become 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. What book have you brought? " Taking the book out of my pocket, I placed it on the counter. The young fellow opened the book, and inspecting the titlepage, burst into a loud laugh. "What do you laugh for? " said I, angrily, and half clenching my fist. "Laugh! " said the young fellow; "laugh! who could help laughing? " "I could," said I; "I see nothing to laugh at; I want to exchange this book for a Bible. " "You do? " said the young fellow; "well, I daresay there are plenty who would be willing to exchange, that is, if they dared. I wish master were at home; but that would never do, either. Master's a family man, the Bibles are not mine, and master being a family man, is sharp, and knows all his stock; I'd buy it of you, but, to tell you the truth, I am quite empty here," said he, pointing to his pocket, "so I am afraid we can't deal."

Whereupon, looking anxiously at the young man, "what am I to do? " said I; "I really want a Bible."