“I couldn’t get all my money till Friday morning, and I knew Jerry was off at night.  I looked for him before school, and at noon, but couldn’t find him, so afternoon recess was my last chance.  I was bound to do it and I didn’t mean to break the rule, but Jerry was just going into the shop, so I pelted after him, and as it was private business we went to the billiard-room.  I declare I never was so relieved as when I handed over that money, and made him say it was all right, and he wouldn’t go near Bob.  He’s off, so my mind is easy, and Bob will be so grateful I can keep him steady, perhaps.  That will be worth two seventy-five, I think,” said Jack heartily.

“You should have come to me,” began Frank.

“And got laughed at—­no, thank you,” interrupted Jack, recollecting several philanthropic little enterprises which were nipped in the bud for want of co-operation.

“To me, then,” said his mother.  “It would have saved so much trouble.”

“I thought of it, but Bob didn’t want the big fellows to know for fear they’d be down on him, so I thought he might not like me to tell grown people.  I don’t mind the fuss now, and Bob is as kind as he can be.  Wanted to give me his big knife, but I wouldn’t take it.  I’d rather have this,” and Jack put the letter in his pocket with a slap outside, as if it warmed the cockles of his heart to have it there.

“Well, it seems rather like a tempest in a teapot, now it is all over, but I do admire your pluck, little boy, in holding out so well when every one was scolding at you, and you in the right all the time,” said Frank, glad to praise, now that he honestly could, after his wholesale condemnation.

“That is what pulled me through, I suppose.  I used to think if I had done anything wrong, that I couldn’t stand the snubbing a day.  I should have told right off, and had it over.  Now, I guess I’ll have a good report if you do tell Mr. Acton,” said Jack, looking at his mother so wistfully, that she resolved to slip away that very evening, and make sure that the thing was done.

“That will make you happier than anything else, won’t it?” asked Jill, eager to have him rewarded after his trials.

“There’s one thing I like better, though I’d be very sorry to lose my report.  It’s the fun of telling Ed I tried to do as he wanted us to, and seeing how pleased he’ll be,” added Jack, rather bashfully, for the boys laughed at him sometimes for his love of this friend.

“I know he won’t be any happier about it than someone else, who stood by you all through, and set her bright wits to work till the trouble was all cleared away,” said Mrs. Minot, looking at Jill’s contented face, as she lay smiling on them all.

Jack understood, and, hopping across the room, gave both the thin hands a hearty shake; then, not finding any words quite cordial enough in which to thank this faithful little sister, he stooped down and kissed her gratefully.