"Well, some of us will have to give more to make it up. I have plenty of money. I can put in more as well as not," said Perry, grandly.
The boys were used to his boasting and did not mind.
Lewie had a new idea. "I've heard," he said, "that it is a good rule to give one-tenth of a person's income. Who will do that—give one-tenth of all we get to the fund?"
"I will!" exclaimed one and another, until all seemed to agree.
"Well, here is the beginning," and Lewie turned out his pockets, counting his money rapidly. "Sixty-seven cents! I won't cheat the missionaries out of half a cent—here are seven cents." Duncan, following his example, handed over eleven cents to the treasurer. The rest had empty pockets, though Perry said he had five dollars at home.
"All right," said Duncan. "Hand over your fifty cents to-morrow morning. Jolly! Won't it count up?"
"I reckon you needn't count up quite so fast; I guess I see myself giving fifty cents to your eleven! I guess!"
"But that is according to the pledge."
"I don't care. I sha'n't do it. There goes Uncle John. I'll go home with him and get my dinner. Bert, you can talk until night, if you want to!"
"What is the matter with Perry to-day?" asked Lewie Amesbury.