ents ought'er
spend five of it fer stuff to eat," Joe replied, reflectively; "but if I
make a few nickels 'tween now an' night, perhaps we'll take a whirl at
it."

"A feller's bound to eat, whether he makes anything or not. So long's
you've got that much money you might as well enjoy yourself. Now I say
it's best not to go hungry, else you can't do so much work, 'an then--"

"I'll see you later," Joe interrupted, not caring just at the moment to
listen to his friend's ideas on the subject of food, for it was well
known among Master Plummer's acquaintances that his highest idea of
happiness consisted in ministering to his stomach.

The fat boy gazed after the ruined merchant until the latter was lost to
view amid the throng of pedestrians, and then in a dreamy, indolent
fashion he turned his attention once more to the business of selling
newspapers to such of the passers-by as requested him to do so,
murmuring mournfully from time to time:

"Seven dollars an' eighty-three cents, an' a feller can buy custard pies
two inches thick for a dime apiece!"

Having assured himself of a lodging-place, and decided as to what
business he should pursue, Joe Potter wasted no more time, but set
about earning his livelihood in as cheery a fashion as if the depression
in the fruit market had brought him great gains instead of dire failure.

Before the night had come he was richer by forty cents, through having
carried to their several destinations, a satchel for a gentleman, a
basket containing a kitten for a lady, and a message for one of the
employees at the station.

"Business is boomin' right along. At this rate I guess I can afford to
stand one of Plums's bowls of stew," he said to himself, in a tone of
satisfaction, and was about to seek other employment when his name was
called from a shop on the opposite side of the street.

Turning quickly, he saw a boy with whom he had had slight acquaintance
while in the fruit business, who stood in the door of the shop, and
said, as Joe crossed the street:

"I'm workin' here now. It's a good deal more tony than down on West
Street. You ought'er move your stand up this way somewhere."

"I haven't got any to move," Joe replied, and then explained why he was
no longer connected with the business.

The young clerk did not appear particularly surprised by the
information.

"I thought that's 'bout the way it would turn out, when I heard you
hired Sim to help you. He's got the busines