"Perhaps it's true," said Mark.
"Then you're jolly green, that's all I've got to lay," said Ben. "But you haven't told me how much you've made."
"See here," said Mark, and he drew out his stock of money.
"Whew!" whistled Ben, in amazement. "You're in luck. I guess you've been speculatin' on your license too."
"No," said Mark; "one gentleman gave me fifty cents, and two others paid me double price."
"Why, you're gettin' rich!" said Ben. "Aint you glad you've left the old woman?"
But just then Mark lifted up his eyes, and saw a sight that blanched his cheek. There, bearing down upon him, and already but a few feet distant, was Mother Watson! She was getting over the ground as fast as her stoutness would allow. She had already caught sight of Mark, and her inflamed eyes were sparkling with triumphant joy. Mark saw with terror that her hand was already feeling in the pocket where she kept the leather strap. Much as he always feared the strap, the idea of having it applied to him in the public street made it even more distasteful.
"What shall I do, Ben?" he said, clutching the arm of his companion.
"What are you afraid of? Do you see a copp after you?"
A "copp" is the street-boy's name for a policeman.