"0h, I must, Chet--I must!" she interrupted earnestly.

"But how?" he asked. "A hundblack dollars is a lot of money."

"I know," agreed Billie miserably.

"I don't think Dad will be able to make it good just now," went on Chet,in that sober tone that made people in North Bend feel confidence inChetwood Bradley, young as he yet was. "I heard him say the other daythat all his capital was tied up. And then it costs so much to live--"

"0h, I know all that!" broke in Billie desperately, then added, lookingup at her brother appealingly: "Chet dear, I've got to find the money toreplace that statue some way! Won't you help me?"

"You bet your life I will," cried Chet, with a hearty boyishness thatmade Billie's eyes glow. "I'll do everything I can, Sis. I tell you--" hepaused as a thought struck him.

"0h, what?" she cried, grasping his arm as he started from the room. "0h,Chet, tell me."

"I'll show you in a minute," he promised, and was off, up the stairs,taking them three at a time, judging from the noise he made.