`` Let me see . Oh , I saw Bob at church , and he looked rather blue ; so , after Sunday School , I asked what the matter was . He said Jerry bothered him for some money he lent him at different times when they were loafing round together , before we took him up . He would n't get any wages for some time . The Captain keeps him short on purpose , I guess , and wo n't let him come down town except on Sundays . He did n't want any one to know about it , for fear he 'd lose his place . So I promised I would n't tell . Then I was afraid Jerry would go and make a fuss , and Bob would run off , or do something desperate , being worried , and I said I 'd pay it for him , if I could . So he went home pretty jolly , and I scratched ` round for the money . Got it , too , and was n't I glad ? '' Jack paused to rub his hands , and Frank said , with more than usual respect , `` Could n't you get hold of Jerry in any other place , and out of school time ? That did the mischief , thanks to Joe . I thrashed him , Jill -- did I mention it ? '' `` I could n't get all my money till Friday morning , and I knew Jerry was off at night . I looked for him before school , and at noon , but could n't find him , so afternoon recess was my last chance . I was bound to do it and I did n't mean to break the rule , but Jerry was just going into the shop , so I pelted after him , and as it was private business we went to the billiard-room . I declare I never was so relieved as when I handed over that money , and made him say it was all right , and he would n't go near Bob . He 's off , so my mind is easy , and Bob will be so grateful I can keep him steady , perhaps . That will be worth two seventy-five , I think , '' said Jack heartily . `` You should have come to me , '' began Frank .
`` And got laughed at -- no , thank you , '' interrupted XXXXX , recollecting several philanthropic little enterprises which were nipped in the bud for want of co-operation .
Bob Jack Jerry Joe School afternoon billiard-room night noon right