If a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would hardly have caused a greater surprise than the sight of Jack Minot walking slowly down the aisle , with a wrathful flash in the eyes he turned on Joe as he passed him . `` Now , Minot , let us have this over as soon as possible , for I do not like it any better than you do , and I am sure there is some mistake . I 'm told you went to the shop on Friday . Is it true ? '' asked Mr. Acton very gently , for he liked Jack and seldom had to correct him in any way . `` Yes , sir ; '' and Jack looked up as if proud to show that he was not afraid to tell the truth as far as he could . `` To buy something ? '' `` No , sir . '' `` To meet someone ? '' `` Yes , sir . '' `` Was it Jerry Shannon ? '' No answer , but Jack 's fists doubled up of themselves as he shot another fiery glance at Joe , whose face burned as if it scorched him . `` I am told it was ; also that you were seen to go into the saloon with him . Did you ? '' and Mr. Acton looked so sure that it was a mistake that it cost Jack a great effort to say , slowly , -- `` Yes , sir . '' Quite a thrill pervaded the school at this confession , for Jerry was one of the wild fellows the boys all shunned , and to have any dealings with him was considered a very disgraceful thing . `` Did you play ? '' `` No , sir . I ca n't . '' `` Drink beer ? ''
`` I belong to the Lodge ; '' and XXXXX stood as erect as any little soldier who ever marched under a temperance banner , and fought for the cause none are too young nor too old to help along .
Acton Jack Jerry Joe Minot Shannon confession fellows flash thunderbolt