"Pretty fair," answered Luke, for the first time taking notice of the inquirer, who did not impress him very favorably.
"I have often wondered how you newsboys make it pay," said Stephen, in a sociable tone.
"We don't make our fortunes, as a rule," answered Luke, smiling, "so I can't recommend you to go into it."
"I don't think it would suit me. I don't mind owning up that I am lazy. But, then, I am not obliged to work for the present, at least."
"I should like to be able to live without work," said the newsboy. "But even then I would find something to do. I should not be happy if I were idle."
"I am not wholly without work," said Stephen. "My uncle, who lives at a distance, occasionally sends to me to do something for him. I have to hold myself subject to his orders. In the meantime I get an income from him. How long have you been a newsboy?"
"Nearly two years."
"Do you like it? Why don't you get a place in a store or an office?"
"I should like to, if I could make enough; but boys get very small salaries."
"I was about to offer to look for a place for you. I know some men in business."