The fishmonger handed the little girl the fish she had chosen. She was still young, but old enough to be trusted with carrying it home by herself. As she snatched up the fish and hurried off, the fishmonger looked after her, thinking how nice it would be if all his customers showed that much enthusiasm for his wares.

A few minutes later, the little girl came rushing back into the shop. The fishmonger looked up from his counter with a cheerful greeting, but before he could say anything, she was speaking frantically: “Gee, I feel sick! Can you help me? Please!” And she held out the fish to him.