“We’re going to pay fifty cents,” said Dan.
“Yes, but he paid it,” replied Jerry, pointing his thumb at Nelson.
“He paid for himself, that’s all.”
“Gosh! I didn’t mean you was to pay fifty cents apiece!” cried Jerry. “Fifty cents is more’n enough for the whole of you!”
They laughed derisively, and tried to get him to accept the rest of the money, but nothing they found to say had any effect.
“I been paid enough,” said Jerry doggedly. “I’m much obliged, but I can’t take no more. You didn’t eat more’n a quarter’s worth of victuals.”
In the end they had to let him have his own way. As they were fixing their packs on to their shoulders Jerry approached Nelson. He held out a soiled envelope and a stump of pencil.
“Say, would you just write down the name of that school you was tellin’ about?” he asked awkwardly.
“Surely,” answered Nelson.
“‘Hillton Academy, Hillton, New York,’” read Jerry unctuously. “Thanks. I’m goin’ there some day.”