Often, when offered a courtesy from strangers that they would like to accept, these boys were likely to regard the offer with this same attitude of suspicion.

It was not that Dick & Co.

meant to be ungracious to strangers, but rather that their boyish experience with the world had taught them that such offers from strangers usually have strings attached to them.
"Don't you young men like ice cream ?" asked Mr.Hibbert, looking fully as astonished as he felt.
"Certainly we do, Mr.Hibbert," Tom responded.

"But what's the idea?
What do you want us to do for you ?" "I ask you for the pleasure of your company," explained Mr.Hibbert.
"I'm a stranger in this town, and I'd like a little company." "And---afterwards ?" pursued Reade.
"'Afterwards' ?" repeated Alonzo Hibbert looking puzzled.
"What do you want us to do for you by and by ?" Tom asked.
"Oh, I see," replied Hibbert, laughing with keen enjoyment.

"You think my invitation a bait for services that I expect presently to demand.