Annie Williams was the youngest member of the band. She had not much money of her own, and this plan which Lou proposed, presented serious difficulties to the child. Just a few days before, she had spent her last penny, and she did not know how she was to get any money to give toward this fund. That night she added to her evening prayer this petition: “Dear Jesus, if thou would’st have me do something to help poor Mrs. Frink out of her trouble, wilt thou show me the way? If I can earn any money, please tell me where the work is for me to do.” Then she went to bed, content to leave it all with Jesus.
When they met according to appointment on Thursday afternoon, Lou who was treasurer of the band was ready with book and pencil to put down the names and pledges. Tom Mason was there, money in hand. “I can give three dollars; I sold some ducks yesterday, and father gave me a dollar for doing the meanest job on the farm.”
“What is that?” asked one of the boys.
“As if you didn’t know that there is nothing a boy hates like picking up stones all day!”
Another could give a dollar and fifty cents, another, two dollars; and the girls, when were they ever behind in giving? Laura Kline had concluded to wear her last year’s hat, and give what a new one would cost. Nell Blake had agreed to wash the breakfast dishes for a month, so that her mother could do more of the family sewing, and the money saved was to be hers, to give to the fund. Lou Brandt said, “Well, I think I have taken the hardest job of you all; I have agreed not to use a single slang phrase for a whole year, and I am to have five dollars a month! I will give the money for the first two months towards paying off the mortgage, and if we do not raise it all in that time perhaps I will give another month’s pay.”
“But suppose you fail?” said Satie Howe. “I think you will have to give security.”
“Agreed!” said Lou laughingly, and as she spoke she took off her heavy gold bracelets which had been her last birthday present, and laid them beside Tom’s three dollars. They all laughed and Satie said, “Well, Lou, I guess we can trust you to redeem those!”
When Annie Williams’ name was called she said, “I do not know how much I can give. I am sure to have something, but I have not found out yet how much He wants me to give.”
“Who wants you to give?” asked Lou.