the blow, "What yo' do dat for, anyhow?"

"To teach folks to mind their own business," replied Ralph, turning to
his half stuck poster again.

"P'lice have you, when yo' stick dat up dar. Disher's private
proputty."

"Can't I stick these wherever I want to?" asked Ralph, in surprise.

"Cou'se not. Better tear dat one down."

Ralph hesitated, then deeming that in his ignorance of city life, he
had better be prudent, he removed the offending poster, then turned to
the negro, who still stood angrily looking on.

"I'm sorry I hit you," said Ralph. "You see, you took hold of me
pretty rough and I--ain't used to it exactly."

At this apology the colored lad grinned, then explained in his own
terse way that only certain places were set aside for bill sticking.
even these were rented out to regular bill posters who paid the city
for the privilege of using them.

Ralph listened in astonishment.

"Then I ain't really got a right to stick my bills anywhere, have I?"

The darkey was not certain, but inclined to the belief that such was
the case, unless Ralph had arranged matters with those who rented these