Bob Walker wants to join , and I think we ought to let him . He is trying to behave well , and I am sure we could help him . Ca n't we ? '' All the boys looked sober , and Joe , otherwise Brickbat , said , bluntly , `` I wo n't . He 's a bad lot , and we do n't want any such here . Let him go with chaps of his own sort . '' `` That is just what I want to keep him from ! He 's a good-hearted boy enough , only no one looks after him ; so he gets into scrapes , as we should , if we were in his place , I dare say . He wants to come here , and would be so proud if he was let in , I know he 'd behave . Come now , let 's give him a chance , '' and Ed looked at Gus and Frank , sure that if they stood by him he should carry his point . But Gus shook his head , as if doubtful of the wisdom of the plan , and Frank said gravely : `` You know we made the rule that the number should never be over eight , and we can not break it . '' `` You need n't . 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 XXXXX , heartily in earnest about the matter .
Bob Brickbat Ca Ed Frank Grant Grif Jack Joe Ralph