As Mr. Woodruff finished, he brought forth a sealed envelope, and thrust it into Harry’s hand. Before the boy could utter any protest he was gone. With his mother looking over his shoulder, Harry tore open the envelope. There were two things inside. One was a card, on which was written: “Please accept the inclosed for your share of the expense of the coming tour of the Zero Club.” Accompanying the card was a crisp, new twenty-dollar bill. CHAPTER V. GETTING READY TO START. “Twenty dollars!” cried Harry, as he spread out the bill. “What do you think of that, mother?” “It is a very handsome present, Harry. But ought you to accept the money?” “I don’t know. I don’t like to, exactly, but the Woodruffs are rich, and they can easily afford it.” “Still, you had better ask your father about it.” “I will. I’m going down to the store now.” Mr. Webb kept the only flour and feed store in Rudskill. As we have said, he had been unfortunate in his speculations, and now had to live quite frugally to make both ends meet. The business was well established, and he employed a clerk and also a man to drive the wagon. Harry often helped at the store, it being his duty to carry out small orders and clean up. During the school term he did this work early in the morning and after the school session, but now he did it whenever called upon by his parent. Mr. Webb had heard all about the proposed tour of the Zero Club, and, as Harry’s heart seemed set on accompanying the other boys, he had good-naturedly determined to let his son off for three or four weeks, feeling that the outing would make him more willing than ever to take hold when he came back. But nothing had been said about the expense, Harry knowing full well that his father could not afford to let him off and give him money besides. Mr. Webb smiled when his son showed him the card and the twenty-dollar bill. “Well, I don’t know,” he said, slowly. “I helped Mr. Woodruff out more than once when I felt rich and he felt poor. I guess you would better keep the money and go and thank them for the gift. It’s just what you need for the trip, isn’t it?” “Yes, twenty dollars will more than cover my expenses,” said Harry. “And if you say keep the money, let me tell you what I propose to do, father.” “Well?” “We have reckoned it out, and I can get along on fourteen dollars easily. Now I propose to get Paul Larkins to take my place here for three weeks at two dollars per week and pay him myself. That will help you out, and also give Paul the chance to help his mother, who is down sick.” “But the money is for the trip, Harry,” said Mr. Webb, although well pleased at his son’s generous proposal. “Well, I count that an expense of the trip, getting a substitute while I am away.” “Well, if you say so, let it be so,” returned Mr. Webb, as he turned away to wait on a customer.