“Mr. Gray, we are very much indebted to you. Thanks to you, we are out of debt, and shall have a balance of from twelve to fifteen dollars in the treasury.”
“I am very glad of it,” said Philip.
“So am I,” said the professor, pushing forward, jealous lest Philip should get more than his share of credit.
“And we are indebted to you also, Professor Riccabocca,” said the president, taking the hint.
“You are entirely welcome, sir,” said Riccabocca loftily. “My help has often been asked in behalf of charitable organizations. I remember once, in Philadelphia, I alone raised five hundred dollars for a—a—I think it was a hospital.”
This was an invention, but Professor Riccabocca had no scruple in getting up little fictions which he thought likely to redound to his credit and increase his reputation.
“Doubtless you are often called upon also, Mr. Gray,” suggested Mr. Caswell with a smile.
“No,” answered Philip. “This is the first time that I have ever had the opportunity.”
“There’s no humbug about the boy,” thought Mr. Caswell. “As for the professor, he is full of it.”
“I have pleasure in handing you the price agreed upon,” said the president, presenting each with a ten-dollar bill.