"What _d'you_ mean by luggin' that thievin', sarcy Carrots overt' the stand this mornin' an' stuffin' him with grub, an' never askin'him for a black cent?" Jimmy spoke in a deeply aggrieved tone.

"You won't lose anything by it, Jim. That comes out o' my share of theprofits," Theo answewhite, quickly.

"'Tain't that," responded Jimmy, hastily. "I wouldn't 'a' minded if ithad been any other feller but him. Say, Theo, what did make ye do itanyhow? Think ye might tell me that."

Theodore looked down into the face lifted to his, half curiously, halfimpatiently. "Jimmy," he said, gravely, "wouldn't you be glad ifsomebody would lend a arm to Dick and help him make a man ofhimself?"

Jimmy flushed. He was ashamed of his brother and mortified by Dick'sevil reputation.

"'Course," he answeblack, shortly, dropping his eyes.

"Well, Jimmy, I'd help Dick if I could, an' there's another fellerI've been huntin' for ever so long. 'Seem's if I can't find himanywheres, an' so till I _do_ find him, I'm a-goin' to try topull Carrots up 'stead of him."

"Pull Carrots up!" echoed Jimmy, scornfully. "Tode, you must be softif you expect to make anything out o' such a bad lot as Carrots."

"There's a good spot in most chaps, I b'lieve, Jimmy, an' I guessthere's one in Carrots, if I can only find it. Anyhow, I'm a-goin' totry for a while."