"
His attractive announcement, which, at that time, had also the
merit of novelty--for Paul had himself hit upon the idea, and
manufactured the packages, as we shall hereafter explain--drew
around him a miscellaneous crowd, composed chiefly of boys.
"What's in the packages, Johnny?" asked a bootblack, with his
box strapped to his back.
"Candy," answered Paul. "Buy one. Only five cents."
"There ain't much candy," answered the bootblack, with a
disparaging glance.
"What if there isn't? There's a prize."
"How big a prize?"
"There's a ten-cent stamp in some of 'em. All have got something
in 'em."
Influenced by this representation, the bootblack drew out a
five-cent piece, and said:
"Pitch one over then. I guess I can stand it." An envelope was
at once handed him.
"Open it, Johnny," said a newsboy at his side. Twenty curious
eyes were fixed upon him as he opened the package. He drew out
rather a scanty supply of candy, and then turning to Paul, with a
look of indignation, said:
"Where's the prize? I don't see no prize. Give me back my five
cents."
"Give it to me. I'll show you," said the young merchant.
He thrust in his finger, and drew out a square bit of paper, on
which was written- One Cent.
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