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 secret thought that he could remain out and still manage to survive. Whereupon Laurie added hastily: "Of course, three dollars makes you a life member, you understand. You can become an ordinary member for two."

Kewpie grinned and disentangled two one-dollar bills from the wad. Ned accepted them gravely. "Want a receipt?" he asked.

"Yes, I'd like a receipt for your cheek," responded Kewpie flippantly. "Bet nobody else has put in any little old two dollars! Bet nobody else has put in two bits!"

"The books of the association are always open to inspection," replied Ned coldly, pocketing Kewpie's contribution.

"All right, Nid. Now, what about some pitching?"

Laurie tottered to his feet. "Come on," he sighed. "But, oh, Kewpie darlin', I rue the day I first looked on your ugly face!"

Later that day the initial contribution to the expense fund was augmented by like sums paid or pledged by the others, and the colossal amount of twelve dollars resulted. Laurie opined that it