Ben had just sold a paper when he saw the two boys approaching. It did not occur to him that they had any hostile intent till they stopped opposite and accosted him.
“I say, Fifth Averner, how’s business?”
“Do you mean me?” asked Ben.
“Yes, we means you.”
“It is pretty fair.”
“How much yer made to-day?”
“About sixty cents.”
“And I’ve made only forty.”
“And I forty-two.”
“I am sorry you haven’t done better,” said Ben sincerely.