"Can't," said he finally.
"Why?"
"Got to work—sell papers."
Silvey stared, scarcely believing his ears. John scuffed the school walk with one sadly abused shoe.
"You see," he went on reflectively, "I've got to have a thousand dollars by the time I'm twenty-one."
"What for?"
"Get married."
"That girl again!" Bill ejaculated scornfully. "Aw, come on, Johnny. Just once won't hurt."
"No," retorted John firmly. "I've got to act like a man now. I haven't any more time for kid foolishness!"
"Kid foolishness!" repeated Silvey in awe-struck tones, as his chum turned and walked rapidly away, "kid foolishness! Gee!"