y; "an' now let's get what
money he's got of ours, in some way so's he won't know what we want it
for, an' add enough to it so's to buy the ticket, an' give it to him
to-night."

The others, with the possible exception of Mopsey, were eager to
complete the good work at once and Mrs. Green was called upon to tell
them how much money was needed, and how much each person would be
obliged to give. She was not an adept in the art of arithmetic, but
after some little time, during which a good many figures were made,
she informed them that the total amount needed was two dollars and
thirty-five cents, and that as there were six of them, including
herself and Nelly, each one would be obliged to give a fraction over
thirty-nine cents.

Ben responded at once with forty cents, although he then had but ten
cents left, and in a few moments the entire sum was contributed. It
was only necessary to get the money which Paul had, and the ticket
could be purchased.

It was decided that, since Ben had formed the plan, he should carry it
out--a task which he was perfectly willing to perform; and, after
promising to let his partners know as soon as he had succeeded, he
started off, happy at the thought of being able to give Paul so much
pleasure. When he met the boy whom he was eager to make happy once
more, he had not been able to form any plan for getting the theatrical
funds from him without running the risk of raising his suspicions. But
since there was no other course which he could pursue, he said, as
innocently as possible,

"I've been talkin' with the other fellers, Paul, an' I want you to
let me have the money that come from the theatre. We're thinkin' of
doin' somethin' with it, an' when you come home to-night we'll tell
you what it is."

Paul had been thinking so much of his home and of his parents, whom he
feared he should not see again, that he could have had no idea of
Ben's purpose, even though he had spoken more plainly, and he handed
him the money without a word.

During the remainder of that day Paul was considerably mystified at
the singular behavior of his friends; they indulged in the most
wonderful winks and nods to one another whenever they were where he
was, and something which Ben showed them from time to time seemed to
please them immensely. Whenever he asked the reason for their unusual
good-humor, and apparent secrecy about something, he was told that he
should know at dinner-time, but not before.

With