Among them was Mike, who was just on the point of buying
another package. As before, he put it in his pocket, and it was
not till Teddy asked, "What luck, Mike?" that he drew it out,
and opening it again, produced fifty cents.
"It's the big prize!" he said. "Sure I'm in luck, anyhow."
"You're the boy that's lucky," said Teddy, with a grin.
As Paul witnessed the scene a light broke upon him. Now he
understood how Teddy could afford to give such large prizes.
Mike and the other boy, Jim, were only confederates of his--decoy
ducks--who kept drawing over again the same prize, which was
eventually given back to Teddy. It was plain now why Mike put
the package into his pocket before opening it. It was to
exchange it for another packet into which the money had
previously been placed, but which was supposed by the lookers-on
to be the same that had just been purchased. The prize could
afterward be placed in a new packet and used over again.
"That ain't the same package," said Paul, announcing his
discovery. "He had it all the while in his pocket."
"Look here," blustered Mike, "you jest mind your own business!
That's the best thing for you."
"Suppose I don't?"
"If you don't there may be a funeral to-morrow of a boy about
your size.
Pages:
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43