“Besides all that,” persisted Robert, “a boy that has learned to read and write, who can cipher a little, and so on, must be a poor creature if he can’t teach himself. Reading and spelling is the key which unlocks every thing else.” “Besides, I can read the newspapers at odd times,” said Joseph. “Certainly you can. But I tell you what, Joe, if there comes news of a battle, and any poor boy looks at you longingly, hand out a paper for nothing. I know what it is—I know what it is.” “I’d do that—you know I would. But, Robert, I wish you were going along. How we would make the streets ring.” “I’m thinking of something else, Joseph. If that fails, perhaps I shall take the lead with you.” “What are you thinking of, brother?” “You know that old man, Joseph?” “Yes, I know—how can you and I ever forget him?” answered Joseph, glancing proudly down at his new clothes. “I mean to offer myself at his place of business as an errand-boy, or something like that. I think he rather liked us, Joseph.” “Yes, he did; I’m sure of that.” “Well, I shall only ask for work.” “So I would, Robert; and I’ll come down every day with the papers, you know.” “That’ll be jolly. Hark! there comes a fellow along. What a voice he has! Splendid business for the lungs. I’ll make a man of you, Joe.” The newsboy came up the side-walk, calling out his papers, and looking lazily from window to window. He had nothing very special that day, and was taking the world easy, scorning to lay out all his powers for less than a battle of fifty thousand strong. He came opposite the two boys, who were watching him so earnestly, and, thinking that they might be in want of a paper, crossed over to where they sat. “Want a paper—morning Ledger?” “No, no! we were only talking about papers; not in the least wishing to buy them,” said Joseph, blushing crimson. “Oh! that’s all,” said the boy, settling the bundle of papers under his arm, and resting one shoulder against the wall. “Seen you afore, haven’t I, my jolly rover? Wanted me to sell you a paper for half price one night? I remember them eyes of yourn. Jerusalem, didn’t they look wild!” “I—I was so anxious, so——”