"I'm a match for
him."
"Of course you be," said Jim, artfully, "and he knows it."
"Of course he does," said Mike, boastfully. "I can lick him with
one hand."
Jim had serious doubts of this, but he had his reasons for
concurring in Mike's estimate of his own powers.
"We'd better start now," said Jim. "I'm awful hungry."
"Come along, then."
They walked up Liberty street, as far as Nassau. On reaching the
corner they saw their unconscious victim at his usual place. It
was rather a public place for an assault, and both boys would
have hesitated had they not been incited by a double motive--the
desire of gain and a feeling of hostility.
They sauntered along, and Mike pressed in close by Paul.
"What do you want?" asked Paul, not liking the vicinity.
"What's that to you?" demanded Mike.
"Quit crowdin' me."
"I ain't crowdin'. I've got as much right to be here as you."
"Here's your prize packages!" exclaimed Paul, in a businesslike
tone.
"Maybe I'll buy one if you'll give me credit till to-morrow,"
said Mike.
"Your credit isn't good with me," said Paul. "You must pay cash
down."
"Then you won't trust me?" said Mike, pressing a little closer.
"No, I won't," said Paul, decidedly.
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