[Poor and Proud by Oliver Optic]@TWC D-Link book
Poor and Proud

CHAPTER XVI
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In the court they seated themselves on a door-stone, and as they talked and laughed about the deceit, they ate the pieces of candy.
"There," said Ann, "I have made a dollar and ten cents this afternoon.
You don't catch me walking all over the city for twenty-four cents, when I don't get but eight of that." "I ain't so smart as you," modestly replied Julia Morgan, the other girl.
"You'll learn," said Ann, as she took out her money and exhibited the two half dollars.
"I don't think people would believe me, if I should try that game." "Try some other.

I think I shall, for I've about used up the broken candy game." "What other ?" "I have one," replied Ann, prudently declining to divulge her secret; "and when I've tried it, I'll tell you all about it." "Why don't you try it now ?" "I would if my candy wasn't broken." "I will let you have mine." "Then I will." "Give me fourteen cents." "I will when I've done with it." "No, you don't," laughed Julia, who justly inferred that if Ann would cheat one person, she would another.
But Ann was so much interested in the experiment that she decided to give the fourteen cents, and took the candy.

Katy wondered what the new game could be, and wanted to see her carry it out, though her conscience smote her for permitting the lady to be deceived, when she could have unmasked the deceit.

She resolved not to let another person be deceived, and followed the two girls into State Street, as much for the purpose of exposing Ann's wickedness, as to learn the trick she intended to play.
"Now you go away," said Ann to her companion, as she placed herself on the steps of the Merchants-Bank.
It was nearly dark by this time, and as there were but few persons in the street, Ann did not commence her part of the performance till she saw a well-dressed gentleman approach; whereupon she began to cry as she had done twice before that day.
"Boo, hoo, hoo! O, dear me! I shall be killed!" cried she, so lustily, that the well-dressed gentleman could not decently avoid inquiring the cause of her bitter sorrow.
"I haven't sold out," sobbed Ann.
"What if you haven't?
Why need you cry about it ?" asked the stranger.
"My mother will kill me if I go home without half a dollar." "She is a cruel woman, then." "Boo, hoo, hoo! She'll beat me to death! O, dear me! I only got ten cents." "Why don't you fly round and sell your candy ?" said the gentleman.
"I can't now, the folks have all gone, and it's almost dark.

O, I wish I was dead!" "Well, well, don't cry any more; I'll give you half a dollar, and that will make it all right;" and he put his hand in his pocket for the money.
"Don't give it to her," said Katy, stepping out of the lane by the side of the bank.


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