Morris was now groaning impotently. Peter brushed a stray wisp of red-gold hair from his brow and went on, his eyes transfixing his victim. There were many in the class, he said, who could afford to contribute but little to the cause. There were others so fortunate as to be in position to give generously. It was the duty, the privilege of every fellow to give according to his means. In the case of Morris----
The clock chimed the half-hour. Morris gave a deep sigh and yielded.
"Goldie, for heaven's sake cut it out!" he begged. "Let me up and I'll write you a check for fifty dollars."
Peter rose and untied several knots. The result was not quite what Morris had expected. He found only his right arm free.
"In the desk. Aren't you going to let me up?"
The only response was the sound of pen on paper. When Peter reappeared he placed the book before his captive and put the pen into his hand. "After you've signed," he said.
Morris grumbled, but with some difficulty affixed his signature to the check for ninety dollars. Peter tore it off and once more presented the book. Morris stared. "What's this?" he demanded.
"Another one for fifty," answered Peter, quietly. "Remember your promise."
"Certainly. When I got one hundred from you for the crew you were to give me fifty more. Have you enough ink?"
Morris glowered, glancing from Peter's inexorable countenance to the open check-book. Then he grinned craftily and signed.
Peter folded the two slips carefully and placed them in his pocket. Then he wrote a receipt for one hundred and forty dollars, Morris watching him uneasily.
"Thank you!" said Peter, laying down the receipt. "I am certain that you'll be glad in the end that you were able to do so much for the crew. I am now going over to the bank"--Morris writhed--"to get these cashed. As soon as possible I'll return and set you free."
For a moment Morris fought against fate. Then he capitulated.
"Hold on, Goldie! I know when I'm beaten. I give you my word I won't stop those if you'll let me up now. What's more, I won't lay a hand on you, honor bright!"
Peter set about untying the knots; it was a long task.
"Had breakfast?" asked Morris, presently.
Peter had not. He had quite forgotten it.
"Well," said Morris, "wait until I get my clothes on and we'll go over to Brimm's and have some."