much as a dollar and a quarter. He was not without competitors. More than once, on reaching his accustomed stand, he found a rival occupying it before
pay for their services. He succeeded in escaping with his money, but the next day the two confederates caught him, and Teddy received a black eye as a receipt in full of all
ad more than once been sentenced to a term at Blackwell's Island. They made a proposition to Paul to act as decoy ducks for him in the same way as for Teddy. He liked neither of the boys, and did not care to be
ough Mike exceeded him in size, and he fel
is clothes, always well ventilated, got torn in several extra places. As it was very uncertain when he would be in a financial condition to provide himself with another suit, the prospect was rather alarming. Jim
f for stamps, J
ke," was
ain't had no
apple. Couldn'
row a quarter o
n't lend
d it," said Mike
Mike?" asked Jim, w
rrow with
l we d
l you," s
n down Liberty street, never stopping until he landed in a certain alley known to both boys. The other would run in a different direction, and both would meet as soon as practicable for the division of the spoils. It was yet so early that Paul could not have sold many from his stock. As each contained a prize,
Jim, approvingly. "Who'll k
t, he was rather afraid of Paul, whose strength of arm he had tested on a previous occasion; and,
the baske
iously, for he, too, felt som
id Jim. "Maybe he'd turn on me, an
gh idea of his own prowess, and felt please
said Jim, artfully
Mike, boastfully. "I can
he had his reasons for concurring
now," said Jim. "
along,
victim at his usual place. It was rather a public place for an assault, and both boys would have he
ng, and Mike press
" asked Paul, not
to you?" de
crowdi
've got as much righ
ages!" exclaimed Paul,
ou'll give me credit til
with me," said Paul. "
me?" said Mike, pres
," said Paul
en!" said Mike, suddenly pul
ink, snatched the basket, which Paul held loose
quickly recovered his presence of mind, and saw into the trick. He raised his hat,
claimed, indignantly. "Give
basket," said Mi
know whe
w nothin' of
er my eyes on purpose
u insulted me, th
et is, or I'll lick yo
in' to do wit
eyes," and Paul, suiting the action to the wo
dashing at Paul with a blow which might ha
s prepared now to fight in earnest, indignant as he was at th
resolutely, eyeing Mike warily, and wat
erminated by the sudden and un
atants; Paul, with his flushed face, and Mike, whose nose w
ke, glaring at Paul, and rubbing his bloo
selling prize packages of candy in front of the post office, and
. "I don't know noth
s hat over his eyes?
he insu
he insu
trust me ti
ion, having on a former occasion been under the necessity of arresting him. Even without suc
t if I catch you fighting again on my bea
d almost have been willing to be arrest
away, and Mike star
ollowe
as he was anxious to meet Jim
erin' me for?" he
reasons,"
y where you are. Your
"but I'm going to follow y
know of y
t I want to
at he meant what he said. Desirous of