I 'll rig the old machine up at once . '' And , starting from his seat , Jack dived into the big closet , dragged out the little press , and fell to oiling , dusting , and putting it in order , like one relieved of a great anxiety . `` Give me the types ; I 'll sort them and set up my name , so you can begin as soon as you are ready . You know what a help I was when we did the programmes . I 'm almost sure the girls will want cards , and I know your mother would like some more tags , '' said Jill , briskly rattling the letters into the different compartments , while Jack inked the rollers and hunted up his big apron , whistling the while with recovered spirits . A dozen neat cards were soon printed , and Jill insisted on paying six cents for them , as earning was not borrowing . A few odd tags were found and done for Mamma , who immediately ordered four dozen at six cents a dozen , though she was not told why there was such a pressing call for money . Jack 's monthly half-dollar had been spent the first week , -- twenty-five cents for a concert , ten paid a fine for keeping a book too long from the library , ten more to have his knife ground , and five in candy , for he dearly loved sweeties , and was under bonds to Mamma not to spend more than five cents a month on these unwholesome temptations . She never asked the boys what they did with their money , but expected them to keep account in the little books she gave them ; and , now and then , they showed the neat pages with pardonable pride , though she often laughed at the queer items . All that evening Jack & Co. worked busily , for when Frank came in he good-naturedly ordered some pale-pink cards for Annette , and ran to the store to choose the right shade , and buy some packages for the young printer also . `` What do you suppose he is in such a pucker for ? '' whispered Jill , as she set up the new name , to Frank , who sat close by , with one eye on his book and one on her . `` Oh , some notion . He 's a queer chap ; but I guess it is n't much of a scrape , or I should know it . He 's so good-natured he 's always promising to do things for people , and has too much pluck to give up when he finds he ca n't . Let him alone , and it will all come out soon enough , '' answered Frank , who laughed at his brother , but loved him none the less for the tender heart that often got the better of his young head . But for once Frank was mistaken ; the mystery did not come out , and Jack worked like a beaver all that week , as orders poured in when Jill and Annette showed their elegant cards ; for , as everybody knows , if one girl has a new thing all the rest must , whether it is a bow on the top of her head , a peculiar sort of pencil , or the latest kind of chewing-gum . Little play did the poor fellow get , for every spare minute was spent at the press , and no invitation could tempt him away , so much in earnest was our honest little Franklin about paying his debt . Jill helped all she could , and cheered his labors with her encouragement , remembering how he stayed at home for her . `` It is real good of you to lend a hand , and I 'm ever so much obliged , '' said Jack , as the last order was struck off , and the drawer of the type-box held a pile of shining five and ten cent pieces , with two or three quarters .
`` I love to ; only it would be nicer if I knew what we were working for , '' she said demurely , as she scattered type for the last time ; and seeing that XXXXX was both tired and grateful , hoped to get a hint of the secret .
Annette Frank Franklin Jack Jill cent chewing-gum minute month sweeties