`` I am told it was ; also that you were seen to go into the saloon with him . Did you ? '' and Mr. Acton looked so sure that it was a mistake that it cost Jack a great effort to say , slowly , -- `` Yes , sir . '' Quite a thrill pervaded the school at this confession , for Jerry was one of the wild fellows the boys all shunned , and to have any dealings with him was considered a very disgraceful thing . `` Did you play ? '' `` No , sir . I ca n't . '' `` Drink beer ? '' `` I belong to the Lodge ; '' and Jack stood as erect as any little soldier who ever marched under a temperance banner , and fought for the cause none are too young nor too old to help along . `` I was sure of that . Then what took you there , my boy ? '' The question was so kindly put that Jack forgot himself an instant , and blurted out , -- `` I only went to pay him some money , sir . '' `` Ah , how much ? '' `` Two seventy-five , '' muttered Jack , as red as a cherry at not being able to keep a secret better . `` Too much for a lad like you to owe such a fellow as Jerry . How came it ? '' And Mr. Acton looked disturbed . Jack opened his lips to speak , but shut them again , and stood looking down with a little quiver about the mouth that showed how much it cost him to be silent . `` Does any one beside Jerry know of this ? '' `` One other fellow , '' after a pause .
`` Yes , I understand ; '' and Mr. XXXXX 's eye glanced at Joe with a look that seemed to say , `` I wish he 'd held his tongue . ''
Acton Jack Jerry Lodge Mr. cherry fellow pause quiver sir