IN TIMES OF TROUBLE 109 



This spirit was vividly manifested at a dinner 

 given by the Camp-Fire Club of America one eve- 

 ning, at the Hotel Astor in New York. This club 

 is an organization of gentlemen who are interested 

 in the better protection of birds, fish, and animals, 

 and in the preservation of the forests. 



More than three hundred members and their 

 guests were present on the occasion when I had 

 been invited to tell them the story of the bear. 

 The audience was attentive and sympathetic, and 

 at the conclusion of my narrative a gentleman 

 rose and, addressing the president of the club, 

 said : 



"Mr. President, if it is agreeable to the members 

 of this club, I move that someone be appointed to 

 pass the hat around these tables and take a col- 

 lection for that good woman.'* 



Immediately I rose and, requesting that this 

 motion should not prevail, explained that already 

 a sum of money had been set aside for Mrs. Wei- 

 don's benefit, and that I anticipated having no 

 trouble in getting more if it were needed. Of course 

 I appreciated their generous thought, but I should 

 be better pleased if nothing were done about it at 

 that time. I had no sooner finished speaking than 

 another member of the club rose and, catching the 

 president's eye, said : 



"Mr. President, one of the objects for which this 



