“Well, I don't know,” said Dick, wavering. “You'd pay me the money down on the nail, wouldn't you?”

“Yes,” said John. “I'll show you the bill now.”

He took from his pocketbook a two-dollar greenback, and displayed it to Dick.

“You could buy cigars enough with this to last you some time,” he said insinuatingly.

“So I could. I declare, I've a good mind to take up your offer.”

“You'd better. It's a good one.”

“But why don't you do it yourself?” asked Dick, with sudden wonder.

“Because father's very strict,” said John glibly, “and if I should leave the house at night, he'd be sure to find it out.”

“That's where I have the advantage. I sleep downstairs, and can easily slip out of the window, without anybody's being the wiser.”

“Just the thing. Then you agree?”