Ben was irritated at first, but he concluded to take it as a joke.
"I am not for sale at that price," he said, adding good humoredly, "I am green, I suppose. This is my first visit to the city. Can you tell me the name of that building?"
"That's the Imperial Hotel. Have you got a cigarette to spare?"
"No," said Ben; "I don't smoke."
"Then you ain't civilized," said the boy. "I've smoked for five years."
"You have!" exclaimed Ben, amazed. "Why, you don't look any older than I am."
"I'm sixteen."
"And I'm not quite fifteen."
Ben noticed that the boy had none of the youthful bloom which mantled his own cheeks. He was already paying the penalty of his early use of tobacco.
"You're a big boy of your age," said the city boy.