“I saw the struggle that took place within Buttrebeurrousse's soul. Before he could conceal it, I saw through the mask of a mind in doubt, loathing to give up the greater sum he had demanded, yet dreading to be left without any money at all. When he spoke, his voice was shrill and whingy. At last the need to have money, now, conquered him.
"'Very well, I will accept the 987 mushroom-lions of mithril, but my wife wants a necklace of the dwarves, and I a shapeshifting helmet.'
"Ouanqueur removed a chest with the name Mîme written on it in dwarvish runes, and counted out 987 mushroom-lions of mithril, besides the helmet and necklace. Buttrebeurrousse and la Carcharotte counted and recounted the money 314 times, before finally pronouncing themselves more or less satisfied, though veritably, they should have received 50, 000 floquerins.
"'And now I must be on my way; I have 20 hobbite-paupers to evict for non-payment of rent,' said Ouanqueur.
"'And what about the ruffians? The area around the Digue des morts is perilous at this time of night,' said Buttrebeurrousse.
