"Well, Fosdick, I'm in for it if you think it's best. Now tell me what necktie I shall wear?"
Dick displayed two. One was bright red with large figures, which he had bought soon after he began to board in Mott Street. The other was a plain black.
"You'd better wear the black one, Dick," said Fosdick, whose taste was simpler and better than his friend's.
"It seems to me it don't look handsome enough," said Dick, whose taste had not yet been formed, and was influenced by the Bowery style of dress.
"It's more modest, and that is all the better."
"All right. I suppose you know best. Before I get ready I must give a new shine to my boots. I'm going to make them shine so you can see your face in them."
"Better let me do that for you, Dick. I can do it while you're dressing, and that will save time."
"No, Fosdick, I was longer in the business than you, and none of the boys could beat me on shines."
"I don't know but you're right, Dick. I freely yield the palm to you in that."
Dick stripped off his coat and vest and went to work with a will. He had never worked so hard for one of his old customers.