IV.
THE MUTUAL HELP SOCIETY.
The credit of the idea must be given to Reggie; he suggested it at a time when we were all in low water and when his birthday gifts from loving uncles and aunts had just poured into Reggie’s receptive hands, so no mercenary motives can be imputed to him. If the idea did not turn out the brilliant success we anticipated, that was due to faults in the system, and not in the promoters.
We were all in Reggie’s rooms one day, forming a small committee of Ways and Means, with, as Squiff said, plenty of ways and no means, when Reggie suddenly remarked, ‘Why shouldn’t we have a fund?’
The Pilot, who conceals a tendency to make obvious and painful puns behind a solemn demeanour, had just begun, ‘The fundamental principle—,’ when Reggie remarked sadly, ‘I am serious.’
When the Pilot had been suppressed with two cushions and a syphon; Squiff inquired, ‘A fund, what for?’
‘For mutual help,’ answered Reggie.
‘Oh! a sort of coal-and-clothing-mothers’-meeting-keep-the-baby-warm kind of article,’ put in Freddy.
‘Not at all,’ said Reggie, ‘it will be something like this. I propose that each member—’
‘Who are the members to be?’ interrupted Squiff.