"Where?"

Dick pointed to a hideous old woman, of large proportions, wearing a
bonnet of immense size, who presided over an apple-stand close by.

Frank laughed.

"If that is the case," he said, "I think I will patronize her."

"Leave it to me," said Dick, winking.

He advanced gravely to the apple-stand, and said, "Old lady,
have you paid your taxes?"

The astonished woman opened her eyes.

"I'm a gov'ment officer," said Dick, "sent by the mayor to collect
your taxes. I'll take it in apples just to oblige. That big red one
will about pay what you're owin' to the gov'ment."

"I don't know nothing about no taxes," said the old woman, in
bewilderment.

"Then," said Dick, "I'll let you off this time. Give us two of
your best apples, and my friend here, the President of the Common
Council, will pay you."

Frank smiling, paid three cents apiece for the apples, and they
sauntered on, Dick remarking, "If these apples aint good, old lady,