"Whether it is so or not?"
"To be sure. You must blow your own horn, my boy, if you want to get on. Humbug 'em right and left, if you look to see the scads come in fast."
"I wouldn't lie just to make a little money," said Ralph so earnestly that the artist broke into a laugh.
"You're in training for an angel, you are. Look out you don't starve though, before your wings sprout. But—let's get to work."
The artist selected a number of posters which he hung over a short stick, to each end of which was attached a leather strap. This he slung around Ralph's shoulder, after the manner of a professional bill sticker.
Then placing in his hand a bucket of paste, which he had prepared that morning in the car, together with a brush, he inquired:
"Think you can find your way round town without getting lost?"
Ralph was not certain, but said he would try.
"If you get lost, just inquire your way to Main and Third Streets. That's here. Now come on, and I will show you how to stick bills. Don't take long to learn this trade."
Ralph followed Mr. Quigg to a vacant wall near by, where he took a large poster, held it flat against the wall with one hand, gave a dexterous swipe or two with the brush, reversed it, then with a few more flourishes drew back and surveyed his work triumphantly.