Wheres Dave? asked Wayne. Paddy, who had been tramping up and down the apartment with a book in his hand, and declaiming pages of Cæsars Civil War to the chandelier, tossed the volume aside and tried to smooth down his hair, which was standing up in tumbled heaps, making him look not unlike the fretful porcupine.
Daves at a recitation; German, I think. Want to see him?
Yes, I want to borrow some money from him.
Dont think he has any. You see, I borrow most of his money as soon as it comes; he never has any use for it himself, and it grieves me to see it laying round idle. How much do you want?
Two dollars. Have you got it, Paddy?
Fraid not; lets see. He pulled open a table drawer and rummaged about until several pieces of silver rewarded his search. Then he emptied his pockets, and the two counted the result.
Eighty-five cents, said Paddy regretfully. Hold on; perhaps Dave has some change left. Sometimes I leave him a few cents for pocket money. He went to his chums bureau and in a moment returned with a purse which, when turned up over the study table, rained from its depths four quarters and a nickel.
Oh, the desavin critter! cried Paddy. Now, where did he get all that wealth? Lets see; thats one dollar and ninety cents. If we could only find another dime
Thatll do, answered Wayne, as he pocketed the coins. Ill write home to-night and pay you back as soon as I get it. Im awfully much obliged.
Dont mention it. Is there anything else I can do for you to-day?
Have you got anything to eat? I lost my dinner; forgot it until a minute ago.
Ive got some crackers, replied Paddy dubiously, and a tin of some kind of meat. Its been opened a good while, but I guess itll be all right after I scrape the mold off.
Bring them out, will you? Im in a hurry, Paddy; Ive got a recitation at 3.15. Paddy whistled.
In a hurry! Whisper, Wayne, are yez ill?