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Mark Twain's The Merchant

498 Words2 Pages

The Merchant turned to his servant. “Take the boy into the courtyard. Look to him there.” The servant gave Yoss a shove. Finally alone. The merchant questioned whether the boy was guilty. Perhaps he had met an honest thief? The merchant has an eye for a bargain and he knew that the magistrate did too. He knew that for the boy to live, he would have to try and persuade the magistrate very carefully and in such a way that the magistrate could choose to understand what he is saying or not. Siebert’s eyes lock on the magistrate’s. He open his mouth and shuts it again. The magistrate stared at the merchant intently. “Master Siebert I don’t---” the merchant cuts him off. “What is the boy’s life worth?” the merchant says suddenly, still holding the stare. …show more content…

“Master Siebert, am I god to put a price on a boy’s life? He sighed. The magistrate folded his arms and turned to glance at Yoss. Siebert followed his gaze. Yoss’ head was still blood stained from before he arrived. The boy stood near the magistrate’s servant slightly hunched over using a wall for support. Only looking up to see the magistrate and merchant’s facial expressions or to see where the clatter of horse hooves and carriages against the cobblestones came from as they went past. Siebert looks back at the magistrate. “You’re God of this jail.” He smirked, raising an eyebrow. “The boys a thief by action but not by intent.” The merchant studies the Magistrate’s expression as he lets the words sink in. “…an honest thief.” The pinches the top of his nose and turns to Yoss once more. The merchant had brought the boy before the magistrate, yet now he claims his innocence. He turns the merchant’s words inside his head trying to piece them

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