Phil began to sing. His clear, fresh voice produced a favorable
impression upon the boys.

"He's a bully singer," said one. "I can't sing much better myself."

"You sing! Your singing would be enough to scare a dozen tom cats."

"Then we should be well matched. Look here, Johnny, can't you sing
something in English?"

Phil, in response to this request, played and sang "Shoo Fly!" which
suiting the boys' taste, he was called upon to repeat.

The song being finished, Edward Eustis took off his cap, and went around
the circle.

"Now, boys, you have a chance to show your liberality," he said. "I'll
start the collection with five cents."

"That's ahead of me," said James Marcus. "Justice to a large and
expensive family will prevent me contributing anything more than two
cents."

"The smallest favors thankfully received," said Edward.

"Then take that, and be thankful," said Tom Lane, dropping in a penny.

"I haven't got any money," said Frank Gaylord, "but here's an apple;"
and he dropped a large red apple into the cap.