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’Used to be a great sea dog,’ said Stefan in a whisper loud enough for Joe to hear

’None of your cheek, boy Where is the ruble?’

’My friend carries my purse,’ said Stefan ’Show him the ruble, Wladek’

Wladek pulled out a coin Joe bit it with his one re tooth, shuffled over to the bookcase and pulled out a large green ti as he thu his short, stubby, rope - worn finger down the long colu in to pick up coal, probably will leave on Saturday If the ship can load quickly enough, shetariffs She;ll dock on berth seventeen’

’Thanks, One Tooth,’ said Stefan ’I’ll see if I can bring along any more of my wealthy associates in the future!

One Tooth Joe raised his fist cursing, as Stefan and Wladek ran out on to the wharf

For the next three days the two boys stole food, loaded grain and slept

By the ti Thursday, Stefan bad almost convinced Wladek that be should rehed the atiraction of his new life with Stefan

They stood on the quayside, staring at the new arTival docking at berth 17

’Hoill I ever get on the ship?’ asked Wladek

’Si to I’ll take the place behind you, and when the coal hold is nearly full, you can jump in and hide while I pick up your basket and walk on down the other side’

’And collect my share of the money, no doubt,’ said Wladek

’Naturally,’ said Stefan ’There ence or how could a man hope to sustain his belief in free enterprise?’

They joined the chain gang first diing the next plank until they were both ready to drop, but it still wasn’t enough The hold wasn’t half full by nightfall The two black boys slept soundly that night The following ain and by mid - af temoon, when the hold was nearly full, Stefan kicked Wladek’s ankle