have worked even harder. Is that plain?" and Jack looked around at the
eager faces as he put the question.

"It certainly is," remarked Paul, smiling; "some are born rich, others
earn riches, and once in a while some lucky chap has the money stuck
right in his hand. I'm one of the last class. But go on, Jack; for I know
you've got a bright idea that may help us out of this hole."

"The answer is easy, fellows. We must make a common fund. Then every
member can put in all he wants, so long as it has been honestly earned.
See my plan?"

"Sure, and it goes. That's the answer to the problem. Let's try it out
and see how near we can come to the amount needed," said Jud Elderkin,
briskly; starting to pass around slips of paper and a pencil.

"Put down what you can hand over to the general fund, each fellow; and
remember it means cash, to be delivered to-morrow, and not credit," he
announced.

There was the utmost eagerness to carry out the idea, and before five
minutes had passed every boy had written his name on a slip of paper,
together with the full amount which he could contribute to the general
fund.

"I appoint Jud and Bobolink a committee to canvass the vote, and count up
the amount subscribed," said Paul, as chairman of the meeting.

It did not take very long, though the two boys were seen to go over their
figures several times in order to make sure there could be no error.