Stubbs picked up the box of matches and proceeded to light his pipe with
deliberation.

"Well, now that you have that pipe puffing," said Hal, "what's the rest
of this story of yours?"

"On second thought," said Stubbs calmly, "I have decided to keep it
to myself."

"You're not going to tell us?" demanded Chester.

"No," said Stubbs. "By the way, here's your black pea," for Chester had
not noticed that he had dropped it.

"Thanks," said Chester, taking the pea and dropping it in his pocket, "I
wouldn't want to lose it."

"No, I guess not," said Stubbs mysteriously. "Pretty scarce articles. I
don't suppose you could find another one in some distance."

"Oh, yes, you could," said Hal. "I have one myself."

"That so?" said Stubbs, and added to himself: "I thought so, but I wanted
to make sure."

Hal produced his black pea. Stubbs examined it carefully and passed it
back to him.

"Better keep it in a safe place," he said. "As I say, they are scarce