"Keep your chaff to yourself," said Jim crossly. "Dick Boden's a heap better than you or me."
Curly opened his eyes wide, but being a wise youth in his generation, and having a particular object in view, he let the subject drop.
"You couldn't lend me another sixpence, Jimmy, I suppose?" he said after a time.
"No," said Jim shortly, "I couldn't; and what's more, I'd like the last one back."
"You shall have it in a few days, but I've been awfully unlucky lately. I'll pay you back, never fear. I wouldn't like you to have to borrow from the old man's till; it's dangerous."
"Borrow from the till? What do you mean?"
"Nothin'; only I once knew a feller who did that. When he wanted any money he used to take it from the till, and pay it back Saturday nights."
"Why, he was just a common thief!" exclaimed Jim scornfully. "I'd rather starve than do that."
"Of course you would," said Curly approvingly, "and so would I. Let us be honest if we are poor; that's my motto. But it's hard when a chap's starvin', you know. Where are you goin'?"
"Home," said Jim. "I'm tired."