“What security?” asked a boy down front.
“My word!” answered Harry boldly. “That’s good, isn’t it?”
“You bet it is, Harry!”
Phin and Hansel joined in the applause and laughter.
“All right, then,” said Harry. “Now I’m going to send the slips around. Any fellow who hasn’t got a pencil can get one if he will speak up. And if any of you can’t write I’ll do it for you, and you’ll only have to make your mark. I’m going to ask—” Harry’s eyes traveled about the hall and at last rested, with a twinkle, on Hansel and Phin. “I’m going to ask the assistant manager, Phin Dorr, and the best end Ferry Hill has had for many a day, Hansel Dana, to pass the slips.”
There was a clapping of hands and some laughter at Harry’s announcement. Phin and Hansel viewed each other questioningly.
“I’m not going to do it,” whispered Hansel. But he chanced to catch sight of Harry’s quizzical look and changed his mind. Phin was already crowding his way along the row of chairs. Hansel accepted Harry’s challenge and followed Phin. They took the slips of white paper and passed through the hall distributing them. Some of the youngsters near the door showed a disposition to retire from the scene, but a few words from Harry brought them back.
“I’d like to say,” he remarked dryly, “that neither Dorr nor Dana has time to follow you fellows to your rooms, and so if you’ll kindly keep your seats you will be rendering valuable assistance.”
The slips were collected and returned to the platform. Phin helped Harry count up the amounts, and the meeting broke up, although most of those present waited to hear the result.
“I hope they don’t get it,” said Spring to Hansel. “And I don’t believe they will. I want the team to have all the money it can use, but I don’t like the idea of paying Cameron’s tuition out of the fund. I’m with you fellows there, Dana, good and hard.”