"Well, I'm willing, Nelson. But how is it you aint selling papers to-day?" went on Paul curiously.
"I've sold out. What have you got left?" Our hero surveyed the stock. "Phew! Eighteen! That's a lot."
"Len kept chasing me, so I couldn't sell much," answered the little boy, with a look of concern on his pale face.
"Give me ten of them," said Nelson, and took that number. "Now you go over there and I'll stay around here. We ought to get rid of 'em between us."
"Good for you, Nelson!" cried Paul, and his face brightened.
Soon both were at it, crying their wares with the other boys. Len Snocks saw the move, and scowled more than ever, but did not dare to interfere. In half an hour the papers were all sold, and our hero turned the money over to Paul.
"You ought to have something for selling the ten," said the little fellow.
"Never mind; you keep the money, Paul. You'll need it, I know."
"Thank you."
"By the way, have you seen anything of Billy Darnley since yesterday noon?"