Mike began to talk too. “Wait, boys,” said Mr. Carter. “One at a time! I can’t hear a word you say.” “I’ll talk first,” said Mike. “Well, you can this time,” agreed Benny. “It’s about your own mother, after all.” “That’s right, Ben,” said Mike. “Thank you. Mr. Carter, my mother works hard at her washing, but she don’t—doesn’t like it.” “Yes, Mike,” said Mr. Carter. “But what do you want me to do about it?” “We’ve thought of a good job for her,” said Mike. “She loves to make pies. So why not make pies and sell them? She gives away millions of pies.” “Now, Mike,” said Benny. “Mr. Carter won’t believe you, if you say millions.” “Well, dozens, then,” said Mike. “Good for you, Mike,” said Mr. Carter laughing. “I do believe you, for I have eaten many of those pies myself.” “Well, there you are,” said Mike. “Everyone likes Ma’s pies and everyone will buy them.” Then Mr. Carter said, “I think you are wasting time telling me about this plan.
