"A real thriving business," mocked Shorty.
"Please, a dime, I need a dime, that's all I—"
"A dime?" George laughed. "For what, a cup of coffee? This is a high-class place. Beer costs fifteen cents here."
Shorty joined in with a snort. "Maybe he wants to call his girl."
"I need the dime," the man said, leaning on the bar for support.
"A matter of real life and death, huh?" George said.
"Yes. Look ... here, I have two cents, you take them."
Pete looked suspiciously at the two coins. "We don't sell nothing that costs two cents."
"You take the two cents, but give me a dime. Please."
"Sharp businessman," noted George.