Ben thought that the other was small for his age, but he did not say so.
"Look here, Johnny," said the New York boy.
"My name is Ben."
"What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go round and show you some of the sights; what do you say?"
Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same time his curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal. When he returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should like to be able to tell his companions something of the city he had visited.
"Give me five cents in advance," said the newly engaged guide.
"What for?" asked Ben, cautiously.
"I want to get some cigarettes."
Ben complied with his request.
The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a cigarette in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure.