CHAPTER XXXVI
Monkey Sulks
On the Sunday after the trial on the Mare's Back Jerry went solemnly round the assembled lads before Bible Class, his hat in his hand and in the hat a couple of coppers.
"What for?" asked Alf, the cherub.
The lads were used to what they called "levies" in the stable—sometimes for a new football or something for the club, sometimes for a pal who was in a hole.
"Mr. Silver," answered Jerry. "He's done us proud while he could. Now it's our turn to do a bit for him."
"Is it as bad as all that?" asked Alf, wide-eyed.
"It's worse," said Jerry, with dramatic restraint.
The cherub peeped into the hat, fingering a tanner.
He was genuinely concerned for Mr. Silver.