"Not a bit," said Ben, laughing. "Nothing but a good dinner will take away that."
"You're the kind of feller I like," said Tom emphatically. "You don't put on no airs."
"I can't afford to," said Ben. "I'm a poor boy myself."
"I wouldn't feel poor if I had fifty dollars," returned Tom.
"I hope you'll have it sometime, and a good deal more."
"So do I. When I'm a rich man, I'll wash my face oftener."
"And put blacking on your boots instead of your face," added Ben.
"It might look better," Tom admitted.
When dinner was over the two boys directed their steps to the California steamship office, on one of the North River piers.