“I suppose you have some time to yourself, though, don't you?”
“Precious little. I ought to be in the shop now. Father sent me down to the store for some awls, and he'll be fretting because I don't get back. I broke my awl on purpose,” said Dick, laughing, “so as to get a chance to run out a little while.”
“I suppose your father gives you some of the money that you earn, doesn't he?' inquired John.
“A few cents now and then; that's all. He says everything is so high nowadays that it takes all we can both of us earn to buy food and clothes. So if a fellow wants a few cents now and then to buy a cigar, he can't have 'em.”
John was glad to hear this. He felt that he could the more readily induce Dick to assist him in his plans.
“Dick!” he said abruptly, looking round to see that no one was within hearing-distance, “wouldn't you like to earn a two-dollar bill?”
“For myself?” inquired Dick.
“Certainly.”
“Is there much work in it?” asked indolent Dick cautiously.
“No, and what little there is will be fun.”