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 Parker
looked a shade more respectable in attire, but his face and hands
were streaked with blacking. To this, however, Jim had become so
accustomed that he would probably have felt uncomfortable with a
clean face
"How are you off for stamps, Jim?" asked Mike.
"Dead broke," was the reply.
"So am I. I ain't had no breakfast."
"Nor I 'cept an apple. Couldn't I eat, though?"
"Suppose we borrow a quarter of Paul Hoffman."
"He wouldn't lend a feller."
"Not if he knowed it," said Mike, significantly.
"What do you mean, Mike?" asked Jim, with some curiosity.
"We'll borrow without leave."
"How'll we do it?"
"I'll tell you," said Mike.
He proceeded to unfold his plan, which was briefly this. The two
were to saunter up to where Paul was standing; and remain until
the group, if there were any around him should be dispersed.
Then one was to pull his hat over his eyes, while the other would
snatch the basket containing his prize packages, and run down
Liberty street, never stopping until he landed in a certain alley
known to both boys.
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