The reporters began to sneer. What did this H. R., who was said to be clever, expect such people to answer? That's the trouble with all wealthy philanthropists. They are damned fools. They don't know human nature nor their own compatriots.
"Do you want a quarter?" asked H. R., kindly, at the same time lifting a big handful of silver to show there was plenty.
"You bet!"
"Wouldn't you rather have a dollar?" asked H. R. He picked up four quarters and jingled them in his open palm by bouncing them up and down in the air, gently, invitingly.
The man stared at H. R. and refused to answer.
It must be a trap!
"Don't you or do you? Speak quickly!" said H. R., impatiently.
"Of course!"
"You'll have to let us search you to see how much you've got on you if you really want a dollar instead of the quarter."
"Say, yous—" began the man.