"I guess you can give it to one of them," said Ben coolly.
Mr. Fitch could not conceal his disappointment. The fifty dollars had a great attraction for him. He saw that Ben was in earnest, for he was already opening the door to go out. He must make an effort to detain him.
"Wait a moment, my young friend. I like your appearance, and we may be disposed to take you on a little easier terms. Fifty dollars is probably a large sum to you."
Ben admitted that it was.
"Probably your means are limited?"
"Yes, sir; I am a poor boy."
"Just so. I will then relax our rules a little in your case. Of course, you won't mention it to our other boys, as it might create dissatisfaction."
"No, sir."
"We will take you on a deposit of forty dollars, then."
Ben shook his head, and moved as if to depart.