"I don't like to be made a fool of by any man---especially when I need money as badly as any other man on my route." Dick took a sweeping glance at the peddler's shabby attire.

While, of course, the size of a man's bank account cannot be judged from his wardrobe, Mr.Hinman had the appearance of needing money as much as he declared.

The horse, too, looked as though a generous feed of oats would do him good.
"And to think of all the things I know about Squire Stark, too," murmured Mr.Hinman, apparently speaking to himself and not realizing that his words carried to the boys' ears.

"If he had a little more judgment, Silas Stark would treat me with more fairness." "I'm very sorry if I seemed too much amused," Tom apologized earnestly, "but that letter, apart from its meaning to you, really is funny." "I---I suppose so," assented Reuben Hinman sighing, and the far-away look returning to his eyes.

"But I---I need the money!" "And both of us hope that you will get it, sir, the whole of your half," said Dick Prescott heartily.
"Anyway, I'm much obliged to both of you boys," said the peddler.
"Giddap, Prince!" Somehow, both boys thought that Reuben Hinman drooped more on the seat of his wagon than before.