“We have reckoned it out, and I can get along on fourteen dollars easily. Now I propose to get Paul Larkins to take my place here for three weeks at two dollars per week and pay him myself. That will help you out, and also give Paul the chance to help his mother, who is down sick.”
“But the money is for the trip, Harry,” said Mr. Webb, although well pleased at his son’s generous proposal.
“Well, I count that an expense of the trip, getting a substitute while I am away.”
“Well, if you say so, let it be so,” returned Mr. Webb, as he turned away to wait on a customer.
When Harry was done work he went back home and fixed up, and then called on the Woodruffs. Blushing furiously, he took both Mrs. Woodruff and Minnie by the hand, and thanked them for their gift. Somehow he was glad to escape the praise they showered upon him for what he had done.
He left the house with Boxy, who linked arms with him in the most brotherly fashion.
“We’ll be greater chums than ever now,” said Boxy. “I’ve talked it over with father, and you are to go to college with me when we graduate at Rudskill Academy. But never mind that now. You’ll go on the tour, then?”
“Will I! Of course I will!” cried Harry. “I’m fairly bubbling over with enthusiasm on that point.”
“Come on and hunt up the Bascoes, then, and we’ll talk matters over.”
It was not difficult to find Andy and Jack, and to them matters were quickly explained. The quartet composing the Zero Club at once made their way to the meeting-room, and here began an animated discussion of plans regarding the proposed tour.