dying
out, was increasing by leaps and bounds.

When the meeting had been called to order, the one subject that
interested those gathered was the question of obtaining their uniforms
and other outfit.

A warm discussion arose shortly when Jack asked for information
concerning the right of any scout to assist a fellow member who might be
behind in earning the necessary amount.

Some believed one way, while others seemed to look at it in another
light, and not a few were, as Jack said, "on the fence."

"Listen, fellows, and I'll tell you what I gathered from studying the
books on the Boy Scout movement loaned me by the minister. Here are
twenty or more of us, and we need just so much money for an outfit. Some
can show much more than they need, others fall short, although they may
have worked even harder. Is that plain?" and Jack looked around at the
eager faces as he put the question.

"It certainly is," remarked Paul, smiling; "some are born rich, others
earn riches, and once in a while some lucky chap has the money stuck
right in his hand. I'm one of the last class. But go on, Jack; for I know
you've got a bright idea that may help us out of this hole."

"The answer is easy, fellows. We must make a common fund. Then every
member can put in all he wants, so long as it has been honestly earned.
See my plan?"

"Sure, and it goes. That's the answer to the problem. Let's try it out
and see how near we can come to the amount needed," said Jud Elderkin,
briskly; starting to pass around slips of paper and a pencil.

"Put down what you can hand over to the general fund, each fellow; and
remember it means cash, to be delivered to-morrow, and not credit," he
announced.

There was the utmost eagerness to carry out the idea, and before five
minutes had passed every boy had written his name on a slip of paper,
together with the full amount which he could contribute to the general
fund.

"I appoint Jud and Bobolink a committee to canvass the vote, and count up
the amount subscribed," said Paul, as chairman of the meeting.

It did not take very long, though the two boys were seen to go over their
figures several times in order to make sure there could be no error.

"Look at the grins on their faces! Don't that tell the story, fellows!
Hurrah!" shouted Nuthin'.

And when the amount was declared it was found that it far exceeded the
actual sum needed to purchase uniforms for the entire twenty-two scouts,
including hats a