Mr. Barnes paused a moment to reprove a couple of urchins who were pitching pennies on the sidewalk.
“Don't you know that it's wrong to pitch pennies?” he said gravely.
“None of your chaff, mister,” retorted one of the street boys, irreverently. “When did you come from the country, old Goggles?”
“My son, you should address me with more respect.”
“Just get out of the way, mister! I don't want to hear no preachin'.”
“I am afraid you have been badly brought up, my son.”
“I ain't your son, and I wouldn't be for a shillin'. Just you go along, and let me alone!”
“A sad case of depravity, my dear,” remarked Mr. Barnes to his wife. “I fear we must leave these boys to their evil ways.”
“You'd better,” said one of the boys.
“They're smart little rascals!” said Mr. Montgomery, when they were out of hearing of the boys. “I took them in, though. They thought I was the genuine article.”