If the chairman of the board would do his duty"-- here he glared at the unconscious Mr.Innes--"he would set before it the things that have made this meeting necessary, and that call for drastic action." "Hear! Hear!" cried Mr.Boggs.
"Exactly so," acquiesced the chairman.

"Please continue, Mr.Hayes." Mr.Hayes continued: "The situation briefly is this: We are almost hopelessly in debt, and--" "How much ?" enquired Neil Fraser, briskly interrupting.
"Seven hundred dollars," replied Mr.Hayes, "and further--" "Five hundred dollars," said Mr.Innes.
"I have examined the treasurer's books," said Mr.Hayes in the calmly triumphant tone of one sure of his position, "and I find the amount to be seven hundred dollars, and therefore--" "Five hundred dollars," repeated Mr.Innes, gazing into space.
"Seven hundred dollars, I say," snapped Mr.Hayes.
"Five hundred dollars," reiterated Mr.Innes, without further comment.
"I say I have examined the books.

The arrears are seven hundred dollars." "Five hundred dollars," said Mr.Innes calmly.
The youngsters at the back snickered.
"Go to it!" said Harry Hobbs, under his breath.
Even the minister, who was sitting immediately behind Harry, could not restrain a smile.
"Mr.Chairman," cried Mr.Hayes, indignantly, "I appeal against this interruption.

I assert--" "Where's the treasurer ?" said Neil Fraser.

"What's the use of this chewin' the rag ?" "Ah! Exactly so," said the chairman, greatly relieved.