I ca n't be here half the time , so I will resign and let Bob have my place , '' began Ed , but he was silenced by shouts of `` No , no , you sha n't ! '' `` We wo n't let you off ! '' `` Club would go to smash , if you back out ! '' `` Let him have my place ; I 'm the youngest , and you wo n't miss me , '' cried Jack , bound to stand by Ed at all costs . `` We might do that , '' said Frank , who did object to small boys , though willing to admit this particular one . `` Better make a new rule to have ten members , and admit both Bob and Tom Grant , '' said Ralph , whereat Grif grinned and Joe scowled , for one lad liked Merry 's big brother and the other did not . `` That 's a good idea ! Put it to vote , '' said Gus , too kind-hearted to shut the door on any one . `` First I want to ask if all you fellows are ready to stand by Bob , out of the club as well as in , for it wo n't do much good to be kind to him here and cut him at school and in the street , '' said Ed , heartily in earnest about the matter . `` I will ! '' cried Jack , ready to follow where his beloved friend led , and the others nodded , unwilling to be outdone by the youngest member . `` Good ! With all of us to lend a hand , we can do a great deal ; and I tell you , boys , it is time , if we want to keep poor Bob straight . We all turn our backs on him , so he loafs round the tavern , and goes with fellows we do n't care to know . But he is n't bad yet , and we can keep him up , I 'm sure , if we just try . I hope to get him into the Lodge , and that will be half the battle , wo n't it , Frank ? '' added Ed , sure that this suggestion would have weight with the honorable Chairman . `` Bring him along ; I 'm with you ! '' answered Frank , making up his mind at once , for he had joined the Temperance Lodge four years ago , and already six boys had followed his example . `` He is learning to smoke , but we 'll make him drop it before it leads to worse .
You can help him there , Admiral , if you only will , '' added XXXXX , giving a grateful look at one friend , and turning to the other .
Bob Ed First Frank Grant Grif Gus Joe Lodge Ralph