"Work!" repeated Stephen, angrily. "And where am I to find work? Haven't I tried to get something to do everywhere?"
"I don't know; but from what I know of you, I presume not. A man who really wants to work won't go so long without it as you have."
"Much you know about it. I tell you everything is crowded. How much money do you think I have got left?"
"How should I know?"
"That's all," said Stephen, drawing a quarter from his vest-pocket and flipping it up in the air. "Mrs. Palmer, you must help me."
"If you are hungry Stephen, though it is a late hour, I will give you something to eat."
"Thank you! I don't want any of your cold victuals," sneered the vagabond.
"Then I can do nothing for you."
"Yes, you can. Give me the little girl's gold piece. You needn't pretend that she has spent it, for I know better."
"Whether that is the case or not, I decline to let you have it."