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. Wel- 
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 
