"Well, you aint wanted here, and you'd better make tracks," said Tim, who considered this the best argument of all.
"Suppose I don't," said Ben.
"Then I'll give you a lickin'."
Ben surveyed the boy who uttered this threat, in the same manner that a general would examine an opposing force, with a view to ascertain his strength and ability to cope with him. It was clear that Tim was taller than himself, and doubtless older. As to being stronger, Ben did not feel so positive. He was himself well and compactly made, and strong of his age. He did not relish the idea of being imposed upon, and prepared to resist any encroachment upon his rights. He did not believe that Tim had any right to order him off. He felt that the sidewalk was just as free to him as to any other boy, and he made up his mind to assert and maintain his right.
"If you want to give me a licking, just try it," he said. "I've got just as much right to stand here and sell papers as you have, and I'm going to do it."
"You needn't be so stuck up jest because you've got good clo'es on."
"If they are good, I can't help it," said Ben. "They're all I have, and they won't be good long."
"Maybe I could get good clo'es if I'd steal em," said Tim.
"Do you mean to say I stole these?" retorted Ben, angrily. He had no sooner said it, however, than he thought of the pies which he should have stolen if he had not been detected, and his face flushed. Luckily Tim did not know why his words produced an effect upon Ben, or he would have followed up his attack.
"Yes, I do," said Tim.