Probably the circumstances of his position elevated him above the sphere of the mere boy; he had spent but little time in play, and his attention had been directed at all times to the wants of his mother.
He had thought a great deal about business, especially since the visit of the boy who sold books to the little black house.
Some boys are born merchants, and from their earliest youth have a genius for trade.

They think of little else.

They "play shop" before they wear jackets, and drive a barter trade in jackknives, whistles, tops, and fishing lines long before they get into their teens.

They are shrewd even then, and obtain a taste for commerce before they are old enough to know the meaning of the word.
We saw a boy in school, not long since, give the value of eighteen cents for a little stunted quince--boys have a taste for raw quinces, strange as it may seem.

Undoubtedly he had no talent for trade, and would make a very indifferent tin pedler.