“Hm; much obliged.” Lanny sucked at the tablet and scowled. “Maybe they’re good for your throat, but they’re mighty unpleasant to your taster, Kid. I guess they’ve got wild cherry in them, haven’t they?”
“That’s one of the things,” answered Kid. “Wild cherry and—and paregoric, I think. Paregoric’s a very powerful drug, you know. Puts you to sleep if you take too much of it.”
“I know.” Lanny nodded wisely. “And wild cherry’s awfully good for throats. They don’t taste very nice, but you can tell they’re powerful. Much obliged, Kid.”
“Don’t mention it. Maybe I can get another box. They’re only twenty-five cents, you see.”
Lanny started. “What’s twenty-five cents?” he demanded.
“Why, those tablets. Twenty-five cents a box. There are fifty in a box and they last a long time——”
“Look here, Kid, do you mean you expect me to pay you a quarter for these things?”
“Sure! That’s the regular price. I’m not trying to cheat you, Lanny, honest!”
“But I thought you were giving them to me!” Lanny searched hurriedly for the box which he had dropped into a cavernous pocket of his ulster. “I don’t want them that bad.”
“I’d give them to you in a minute,” said Kid warmly, “but I just can’t afford to, Lanny. Anyhow, you needn’t pay me now. To-morrow’ll do just as well.”