Teddy O'Brien, who had applied for a partnership the day before, came up with a basket similar to his own, apparently filled with similar packages. He took a position about six feet distant from Paul, and began to cry out, in a shrill voice:
“Here's your bully prize packages! Best in the market! Here's where you get your big prizes, fifty cents in some of 'em. Walk up boys, tumble up, and take your pick afore they're gone. Fifty cents for five!”
“That's a lie, Teddy,” said Paul, who saw that his rival's attractive announcement was likely to spoil his trade.
“No, 'tisn't,” said Teddy. “If you don't believe it, just buy one and see.”
“I'll tell you what I'll do,” said Paul, “I'll exchange.”
“No,” said Teddy; “I ain't a-goin' to risk givin' fifty cents for one.”
“More likely you'd get ten for one. You're a humbug.”
“Have you really got any fifty-cent prizes?” asked a newsboy, who had sold out his morning stock of papers, and was lounging about the post office steps.
“Best way is to buy, Johnny,” said Teddy.
The boy did buy, but his prize amounted to only one cent.