"No, it must be you, Father. I am set. I want to do something to please you, personally."
"O, you do! Well now, I'll tell you how you may do that. I have any number of poor people in the parish. Some need clothing, some food, some rent. Suppose you help me to help them?"
"I'll go the limit, Father, I have the money. You send me word how much you need, and you will have it."
"Not so fast, my good man. I only want you to help to a certain extent. You know we have many poor. I could easily ask you for a large sum and not half supply our needs. Just how much do you wish to give?"
"How much do you want?"
"Well, I have at least thirty poor families on my list."
"Suppose, then," said Mr. Roberts, "that we make it a hundred dollars to each family. How would that suit?"
Father Boone felt like calling for help. Three thousand dollars! It almost toppled him over. "Suit!" he exclaimed, "why, it will be royal! Rather, let me say, it will be very Christian, Christlike."
"It's done," said Mr. Roberts.
"I thank you," said Father Boone earnestly.