`` I wonder which kind of captains pay boys best ? I guess I 'll try a steamer ; they make short trips . I heard the cannon to-day , so one is in , and I 'll try for a place before I go to bed . '' Little did desperate Jimmy guess what ship he would really sail in , nor what a prosperous voyage he was about to make ; for help was coming that very minute , as it generally does , sooner or later , to generous people who are very much in earnest . First a shrill whistle was heard , at the sound of which he looked up quickly ; then a rosy-faced girl of about his own age came skipping down the street , swinging her hat by one string ; and , as Jimmy watched her approach , a smile began to soften the grim look he wore , for Willy Bryant was his best friend and neighbor , being full of courage , fun , and kindness . He nodded , and made room for her on the step , -- the place she usually occupied at spare moments when they got lessons and recounted their scrapes to each other . But to-night Willy seemed possessed of some unusually good piece of news which she chose to tell in her own lively fashion , for , instead of sitting down , she began to dance a sailor 's hornpipe , singing gayly , `` I 'm little Buttercup , sweet little Buttercup , '' till her breath gave out . `` What makes you so jolly , Will ? '' asked Jimmy , as she dropped down beside him and fanned herself with the ill-used hat . `` Such fun -- you 'll never guess -- just what we wanted -- if your mother only will ! You 'll dance , too , when you know , '' panted the girl , smiling like a substantial sort of fairy come to bring good luck . `` Fire away , then . It will have to be extra nice to set me off . I do n't feel a bit like jigs now , '' answered Jimmy , as the gloom obscured his face again , like a cloud over the sun . `` You know ` Pinafore ' ? '' began Will , and getting a quick nod for an answer , she poured forth the following tale with great rapidity : `` Well , some folks are going to get it up with children to do it , and they want any boys and girls that can sing to go and be looked at to-morrow , and the good ones will be picked out , and dressed up , and taught how to act , and have the nicest time that ever was . Some of our girls are going , and so am I , and you sing and must come , too , and have some fun . Wo n't it be jolly ? '' `` I guess it would ; but I ca n't . Mother needs me every minute out of school , '' began Jimmy , with a shake of the head , having made up his mind some time ago that he must learn to do without fun .
`` But we shall be paid for it , '' cried Will , clapping her hands with the double delight of telling the best part of her story , and seeing XXXXX 's sober face clear suddenly as if the sun had burst forth with great brilliancy .
Bryant Buttercup First Jimmy Mother Pinafore Will hornpipe jigs minute