A group of boys were around him. 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."
There was a laugh at Paul's expense, but he took it coolly.
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