“Such cases can't be very common,” said Herbert, who had a good share of common sense.
“Not so uncommon as you think,” returned Eben, nodding. “I don't mean to say that many draw prizes as large as that, but there are other prizes of five thousand dollars, and one thousand, and so on. It would be very comfortable to draw a prize of even five hundred, wouldn't it now?”
Herbert admitted that it would.
“I'd send for a ticket by Monday morning's mail,” continued Eben, “if I wasn't so hard up. The old man's mad because I ran into debt, and he won't give me a cent. Will you do me a favor?”
“What is it?” asked Herbert, cautiously.
“Lend me two dollars. You've got it, I know, because you were paid off to-night. I would send for two tickets, and agree to give you quarter of what I draw. Isn't that fair?”
“It may be,” said Herbert, “but I haven't any money to lend.”
“You have three dollars in your pocket at this moment.”
“Yes, but it isn't mine. I must hand it to mother.”
“And give up the chance of winning a prize. I'll promise to give you half of whatever I draw, besides paying back the money.”