“Couldn’t think of it. Next!”
“I only wish I could hock some of my old manuscript stories,” whispered Mr. Snodgrass to Ben. “I’d write some expressly for the purpose.”
“What can I do for you, young man?” asked the clerk, turning to Ben.
“What will you give me on this watch?” said Ben.
The clerk scanned it briefly and asked in return, “How much do you want?”
“Eight dollars,” answered Ben, following the advice of his companion.
“I will give you five.”
“All right,” said Ben.
A ticket was quickly made out, and Ben left the office with that and a five-dollar bill in his hand.
“You are in luck,” said Sylvanus, when they reached the street. “I wasn’t sure they would give you five on it.”