Paul the Peddler; Or, The Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant

much as a dollar and a quarter. He was not without competitors. More than once, on reaching his accustomed stand, he found a rival occupying it before

pay for their services. He succeeded in escaping with his money, but the next day the two confederates caught him, and Teddy received a black eye as a receipt in full of all

ad more than once been sentenced to a term at Blackwell's Island. They made a proposition to Paul to act as decoy ducks for him in the same way as for Teddy. He liked neither of the boys, and did not care to be

ough Mike exceeded him in size, and he fel

is clothes, always well ventilated, got torn in several extra places. As it was very uncertain when he would be in a financial condition to provide himself with another suit, the prospect was rather alarming. Jim

f for stamps, J

ke," was

ain't had no

apple. Couldn'

row a quarter o

n't lend

d it," said Mike

Mike?" asked Jim, w

rrow with

l we d

l you," s

n down Liberty street, never stopping until he landed in a certain alley known to both boys. The other would run in a different direction, and both would meet as soon as practicable for the division of the spoils. It was yet so early that Paul could not have sold many from his stock. As each contained a prize,

Jim, approvingly. "Who'll k

t, he was rather afraid of Paul, whose strength of arm he had tested on a previous occasion; and,

the baske

iously, for he, too, felt som

id Jim. "Maybe he'd turn on me, an

gh idea of his own prowess, and felt please

said Jim, artfully

Mike, boastfully. "I can

he had his reasons for concurring

now," said Jim. "

along,

victim at his usual place. It was rather a public place for an assault, and both boys would have he

ng, and Mike press

" asked Paul, not

to you?" de

crowdi

've got as much righ

ages!" exclaimed Paul,

ou'll give me credit til

with me," said Paul. "

me?" said Mike, pres

," said Paul

en!" said Mike, suddenly pul

ink, snatched the basket, which Paul held loose

quickly recovered his presence of mind, and saw into the trick. He raised his hat,

claimed, indignantly. "Give

basket," said Mi

know whe

w nothin' of

er my eyes on purpose

u insulted me, th

et is, or I'll lick yo

in' to do wit

eyes," and Paul, suiting the action to the wo

dashing at Paul with a blow which might ha

s prepared now to fight in earnest, indignant as he was at th

resolutely, eyeing Mike warily, and wat

erminated by the sudden and un

atants; Paul, with his flushed face, and Mike, whose nose w

ke, glaring at Paul, and rubbing his bloo

selling prize packages of candy in front of the post office, and

. "I don't know noth

s hat over his eyes?

he insu

he insu

trust me ti

ion, having on a former occasion been under the necessity of arresting him. Even without suc

t if I catch you fighting again on my bea

d almost have been willing to be arrest

away, and Mike star

ollowe

as he was anxious to meet Jim

erin' me for?" he

reasons,"

y where you are. Your

"but I'm going to follow y

know of y

t I want to

at he meant what he said. Desirous of