“I’ve seen your work before. I’ve even bought a few of your pieces from Ben.”
“Oh. Uh, thanks.”
“Are you dependable, William?”
“Yes, sir. Like I said, I carve every day and take Ben some pieces almost every weekend.”
“I’ll tell you what, if you’ll go back in the workroom and finish off these other five pieces and add your signature to them, I’m willing to buy all six.”
“Yes, sir!” I oughta play it cool like Ben Ames did, but I couldn’t contain myself. And that was strange because I’m usually close-mouthed around people I don’t know. Especially white people.
“Hold on now,” he cautioned. “I’m not finished. The cat is worth the fifty dollars you’re asking, but the other pieces aren’t quite up to the quality of the cat. But I’m going to pay you fifty for each of them, despite that. But t
