Sam bent down. By the exertion of some force he took possession of the paper, Poke resisting feebly. Smoothing the sheet, he ran his eye down the typewritten page. And, as he read, he whistled shrilly.
The letter was from the Rainbow Mountain House. It was signed by the proprietor himself. Its tone was formal and businesslike.
The writer explained the delay by the time which had been found necessary to learn the cost of replacing the vase. This point had now been established.
“‘We find that a duplicate can be obtained, and invite your early attention to the matter,’” Sam read aloud. “‘The expense will be $175.’”
Orkney echoed Sam’s whistle. Poke groaned weakly. Step tore his hair.
“One hundred and seventy-five dollars!” Sam said very slowly. “‘We invite your early attention to the matter!’ Wow, but that—that’s a sockdologer!”
“He can’t pay it!” cried Orkney. “It’s too much. And if the thing was worth so much, it ought to have been kept where it would be safe.”
“That’s true,” Sam agreed.
Poke shook his head sadly. “I’ve got to pay—I said I would.”
“But [you can’t raise the money]. The whole club couldn’t raise it.”