"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.
"There's your prize," he added, drawing a penny from his pocket.
"It ain't much of a prize," said the buyer. "Where's your ten cents?"
"I didn't say I put ten cents into every package," answered Paul.
"I'd burst up pretty quick if I did that. Who'll have another package?
Only five cents!"
Curiosity and taste for speculation are as prevalent among children as
with men, so this appeal produced its effect.
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