? ? ? ? "Thank you for the compliment, Mike. I hope Mr. Sargent will have the same opinion."
? ? ? ? The next day it is needless to say that Rodney did not resume the business of newsboy. He was very glad to give it up. He dressed with unusual care and took a walk down town.
? ? ? ? As he passed Reade Street by chance Jasper was coming around the corner. His face lighted up first with pleasure at seeing Rodney, for it gratified his mean nature to triumph over the boy whom he had ousted from his position, and next with surprise at his unusually neat and well dressed appearance. Rodney looked far from needing help. He might readily have been taken for a boy of aristocratic lineage.
? ? ? ? "Hallo!" said Jasper, surveying Rodney curiously.
? ? ? ? "How are you this morning, Jasper?" returned Rodney quietly.
? ? ? ? "Why ain't you selling papers?"
? ? ? ? "I don't like the business."
? ? ? ? "But you've got to make a living."
? ? ? ? "Quite true."
? ? ? ? "Are you going to black boots?"
? ? ? ? "Why should I? Is it a desirable business?"
? ? ? ? "How should I know?" asked Jasper, coloring.
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