"Why shouldn't you lend me? It's only for a day or two."
But Walter knew very well Joshua's small allowance, and that he would not be able to return a loan of that amount, even if he were desirous of so doing, and he judged Joshua so well that he doubted whether he would have any such desire.
"You know my circumstances, Joshua," he said, "and that I am in no position to lend anybody money."
"Two dollars isn't much. You said you had it."
"Yes, I have it; but I must take care of what little I have. I am working for my board, as you know, and have got to provide for all my other expenses myself; therefore I shall need all my money."
"You talk as if I wanted you to give me the money. I only asked you to lend it."
"That's about the same thing," thought Walter; but he only said, "Why don't you ask your father for the money?"
"Because he wouldn't give it to me. He's as mean as dirt."
"Then where would you get the money to repay me in case I lent it to you?"
"You're just as mean as he is," exclaimed Joshua, angrily, not caring to answer this question. "A mighty fuss you make about lending a fellow a couple of dollars!"