Now , you need n't be lonely any more , and I 'll try to fill Archie 's place till he comes back , for I know he will , as soon as you let him . '' `` Well , I do n't mind telling you that while he was my mate I never missed brothers and sisters , or wanted anyone else ; but since he cast me off , I 'll be hanged if I do n't feel as forlorn as old Crusoe before Friday turned up . '' This burst of confidence confirmed Rose in her purpose of winning Charlie 's Mentor back to him , but she said no more , contented to have done so well . They parted excellent friends , and Prince went home , wondering why `` a fellow did n't mind saying things to a girl or woman which they would die before they 'd own to another fellow . '' Rose also had some sage reflections upon the subject , and fell asleep thinking that there were a great many curious things in this world , and feeling that she was beginning to find out some of them . Next day she trudged up the hill to see Archie , and having told him as much as she thought best about her talk with Charlie , begged him to forget and forgive . `` I 've been thinking that perhaps I ought to , though I am in the right . I 'm no end fond of Charlie , and he 's the best-hearted lad alive ; but he ca n't say No , and that will play the mischief with him , if he does not take care , '' said Archie in his grave , kind way . `` While father was home , I was very busy with him , so Prince got into a set I do n't like . They try to be fast , and think it 's manly , and they flatter him , and lead him on to do all sorts of things play for money , and bet , and loaf about . I hate to have him do so , and tried to stop it , but went to work the wrong way , so we got into a mess . '' `` He is all ready to make up if you do n't say much , for he owned to me he was wrong ; but I do n't think he will own it to you , in words , '' began Rose . `` I do n't care for that ; if he 'll just drop those row-dies and come back , I 'll hold my tongue and not preach . I wonder if he owes those fellows money , and so does n't like to break off till he can pay it . I hope not , but do n't dare to ask ; though , perhaps , Steve knows , he 's always after Prince , more 's the pity , '' and Archie looked anxious . `` I think Steve does know , for he talked about debts of honour the day I gave him -- '' There Rose stopped short and turned scarlet . But Archie ordered her to `` fess , '' and had the whole story in five minutes , for none dared disobey the Chief . He completed her affliction by putting a five-dollar bill into her pocket by main force , looking both indignant and resolute as he said , `` Never do so again ; but send Steve to me , if he is afraid to go to his father . Charlie had nothing to do with that ; he would n't borrow a penny of a girl , do n't think it . But that 's the harm he does Steve , who adores him , and tries to be like him in all things .
Do n't say a word ; I 'll make it all XXXXX , and no one shall blame you . ''
Archie Charlie Chief Crusoe Prince Rose Steve minutes right row-dies