"Who is Peggy?" asked a new voice.
Jack looked towards the speaker. He saw a pleasant-faced boy, apparently about sixteen.
"She's the woman I live with," answered Jack.
"What will she beat you for?" asked Mark, for it was he. He had just come up, and hadn't heard of Jack's misfortune, but his heart was stirred to sympathy, by the sadness visible upon the little boy's face.
"For losing my matches," and thereupon Jack told his story to his new acquaintance.
"How much were the matches worth?" asked Mark.
"There were fourteen boxes. They cost me three cents a piece. Then there was the basket. That cost a quarter."
"Do you know where to buy more?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then take this dollar bill, and get a new supply."