Billy Bunter's Benefit By Frank Richards - Friardale

Billy Bunter’s Benefit
By Frank Richards
packing up theatrical “props,” and generally getting things to rights. Then,
at length, the cash-box was opened—without the assistance of Billy
Bunter— and the contents duly counted and checked.
“Six pounds nineteen shillings!” said Harry Wharton.
“Good egg!”
“Jolly good show!”
“Not quite enough, after all, though,” remarked Frank Nugent. “Parker
wants seven guineas from that fat chump.”
“We’ve got to see him through,” said Bob.
“He’s such a nice chap, and so grateful for services rendered,” remarked
the Bounder, sarcastically.
Harry Wharton laughed.
“Well, we all know our Bunter,” he said. “We’ve given him a benefit to pull
him through, and we don’t want to spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar.
We’ll have a whip- round to make up the other eight bob.”
“Hear, hear!” said Bob Cherry.
“Oh, all right!” said Smithy, and he produced a half-crown. Shillings and
sixpences were added thereto: making up the sum of seven guineas.
“And now—!” said Bob.
“Now one of us had better cut down to Courtfield on a bike, and pay
Parker,” said Harry, “And the sooner the better.”
“Right-ho! I’ll go.”
Bob Cherry left the Rag, with the handsome sum of seven pounds seven
shillings in his trousers pocket. In the passage a fat hand clutched at his
sleeve.
“I say, Bob, old chap—.”
“Scat!”
“Look here, you beast—I mean, look here, old fellow—I’m jolly well not
going to be done out of my benefit!” hooted Bunter. “If you fellows think
I’m going to be done, I can jolly well say quite plainly—wow-ow-ow-owwow!”
Bob Cherry walked on, leaving Billy Bunter sitting on the floor in the
passage. A few minutes later he was on his bike, speeding away to
Courtfield.
Billy Bunter tottered to his feet. He was still gurgling for breath when
Harry Wharton, Frank Nugent, Johnny Bull, and Hurree Jamset Ram
Singh came out of the Rag.
“I say, you fellows!” gasped Bunter.
“Run away and play, old barrel.”
“Where’s that cash-box?” shrieked Bunter.
“Come to my study after tea, and you shall have it,” said Harry Wharton,
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