for a young
Grammar School boy to be so firm and undaunted.

"Now, don't be a fool, Prescott," he began, trying a new tack.

"You ought to be a fine teacher in the subject of good sense," suggested
Dick mockingly.

"I think I can be."

"Fire away, then."

"Prescott, you don't have much spending money, do you?"

"Not enough to worry the bank with."

"You'd like more?"

"Of course."

"I'm going to find it for you."

"You are--or do you mean that your wife is?"

Ab. Dexter winked. He had not looked for the youngster to be so keen.

"Prescott, take it from an older man. It doesn't make so much
difference, in this world, where the money comes from, if a fellow only
has it."

"I guess, from your actions, that's about the way you feel about it,
Dexter," rejoined the boy.

"Don't you feel the same way?"

"No; I'd like to be worth a million dollars, Dexter, but I don't believe
I ever shall be."

"Why not?"

"Because the opportunities for getting a million honestly are not very
plentiful, and I wouldn't have a dollar--or a million--with a stain on
it!"

"You simpleton!" sneered Dexter.

"There are a few of us left in the world," Dick retorted complacently.
"But you, Dexter, you wouldn't care whether it was money or slime, as
long as you could spend it!"

"You're talking nonsense, boy," argued Dexter, restraining himself as
best he could. "Now, see here, I'm sorry I thumped you. I've got a lot
of use for a boy with as much sand and grit as you've shown. I can use
you, and I can show you how to make a nice little lot of money by
helping me in something that I have on hand. So come on. Get up and walk
along with me while we talk it over."

Dexter rose, and Dick got to his feet as nimbly as he could. He ached,
though, fortunately, he was not badly crippled by the pummeling that he
had received.

"Come on, now, and let's take a little walk," urged the man
persuasively.

But Dick Prescott glared back at the bully with all the contempt in the
world in his look.

"Nothing doing in the way of walking together, Dexter," announced the
boy.

"Why not?"

"Folks might see me with you."

"Suppose they did!"

"Then they'd imagine that I knew you. Dexter, a boy who hopes to grow up
and become a useful citizen can't be too careful about the company he
keeps."

"You confounded little imp! You're not tamed yet."

Dexter's foot struck against a stick lying on the ground. Snatching this
weapon up and utter