Then I was afraid Jerry would go and make a fuss , and Bob would run off , or do something desperate , being worried , and I said I 'd pay it for him , if I could . So he went home pretty jolly , and I scratched ` round for the money . Got it , too , and was n't I glad ? '' Jack paused to rub his hands , and Frank said , with more than usual respect , `` Could n't you get hold of Jerry in any other place , and out of school time ? That did the mischief , thanks to Joe . I thrashed him , Jill -- did I mention it ? '' `` I could n'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 could n't find him , so afternoon recess was my last chance . I was bound to do it and I did n'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 would n'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 did n'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 do n't mind the fuss now , and Bob is as kind as he can be . Wanted to give me his big knife , but I would n'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 XXXXX , glad to praise , now that he honestly could , after his wholesale condemnation .
Bob Frank Jerry Joe afternoon billiard-room cockles night noon right