He says everything is so high nowadays that it takes all we can both of us earn to buy food and clothes.

So if a fellow wants a few cents now and then to buy a cigar, he can't have 'em." John was glad to hear this.

He felt that he could the more readily induce Dick to assist him in his plans.
"Dick!" he said abruptly, looking round to see that no one was within hearing-distance, "wouldn't you like to earn a two-dollar bill ?" "For myself ?" inquired Dick.
"Certainly." "Is there much work in it ?" asked indolent Dick cautiously.
"No, and what little there is will be fun." "Then I'm in for it.

That is, I think I am.

What is it ?" "You'll promise not to tell ?" said John.
"Honor bright." "It's only a little practical joke that I want to play upon one of the boys." "On who ?" asked Dick, unmindful of his grammar.
"On Frank Frost." "Frank's a pretty good fellow.