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Alger, Horatio, 1832-1899

"Paul the Peddler, or the Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant"


"Give me a package," said Teddy O'Brien, a newsboy, stretching out a
dirty hand, containing the stipulated sum. He also was watched curiously
as he opened the package. He drew out a paper bearing the words--Two
Cents.
"Bully for you, Teddy! You've had better luck than I," said the
bootblack.
The check was duly honored, and Teddy seemed satisfied, though
the amount of candy he received probably could not have cost over
half-a-cent. Still, he had drawn twice as large a prize as the first
buyer, and that was satisfactory.
"Who'll take the next?" asked Paul, in a businesslike manner. "Maybe
there's ten cents in this package. That's where you double your money.
Walk up, gentlemen. Only five cents!"
Three more responded to this invitation, one drawing a prize of two
cents, the other two of one cent each. Just then, as it seemed doubtful
whether any more would be purchased by those present, a young man,
employed in a Wall street house, came out of the post office.
"What have you got here?" he asked, pausing.
"Prize packages of candy! Money prize in every package! Only five
cents!"
"Give me one, then. I never drew a prize in my life."
The exchange was speedily made.
"I don't see any prize," he said, opening it.
"It's on a bit of paper, mister," said Teddy, nearly as much interested
as if it had been his own purchase.


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