"Yer want to make me lose me trade," he muttered. "I'll fight yer when de rush is over." And he moved toward the ferry entrance.
"All right, I'll be ready for you any time," called Nelson after him. "And, remember, leave Paul alone after this."
"Oh, Nelson, how good you are!" cried Paul impulsively. "I don't know what he wouldn't have done to me if you hadn't come up."
"If he tackles you again let me know, Paul."
"I will."
"How is your mother?"
"She isn't much better. She can just get around our rooms, and that's all."
"Can she see?"
"Not much. The landlord said she ought to go to the hospital and have her eyes operated on, but she doesn't want to go and leave me."
"But maybe it would be best for her, Paul."