`` And got laughed at -- no , thank you , '' interrupted Jack , recollecting several philanthropic little enterprises which were nipped in the bud for want of co-operation . `` To me , then , '' said his mother . `` It would have saved so much trouble . '' `` I thought of it , but Bob did n't want the big fellows to know for fear they 'd be down on him , so I thought he might not like me to tell grown people . I do n't mind the fuss now , and Bob is as kind as he can be . Wanted to give me his big knife , but I would n't take it . I 'd rather have this , '' and Jack put the letter in his pocket with a slap outside , as if it warmed the cockles of his heart to have it there . `` Well , it seems rather like a tempest in a teapot , now it is all over , but I do admire your pluck , little boy , in holding out so well when every one was scolding at you , and you in the right all the time , '' said Frank , glad to praise , now that he honestly could , after his wholesale condemnation . `` That is what pulled me through , I suppose . I used to think if I had done anything wrong , that I could n't stand the snubbing a day . I should have told right off , and had it over . Now , I guess I 'll have a good report if you do tell Mr. Acton , '' said Jack , looking at his mother so wistfully , that she resolved to slip away that very evening , and make sure that the thing was done . `` That will make you happier than anything else , wo n't it ? '' asked Jill , eager to have him rewarded after his trials . `` There 's one thing I like better , though I 'd be very sorry to lose my report . It 's the fun of telling Ed I tried to do as he wanted us to , and seeing how pleased he 'll be , '' added Jack , rather bashfully , for the boys laughed at him sometimes for his love of this friend . `` I know he wo n't be any happier about it than someone else , who stood by you all through , and set her bright wits to work till the trouble was all cleared away , '' said Mrs. Minot , looking at Jill 's contented face , as she lay smiling on them all . Jack understood , and , hopping across the room , gave both the thin hands a hearty shake ; then , not finding any words quite cordial enough in which to thank this faithful little sister , he stooped down and kissed her gratefully . Chapter XV . Saint Lucy Saturday was a busy and a happy time to Jack , for in the morning Mr. Acton came to see him , having heard the story overnight , and promised to keep Bob 's secret while giving Jack an acquittal as public as the reprimand had been .
Then he asked for the report which XXXXX had bravely received the day before and put away without showing to anybody .
Acton Bob Ed Frank Jack Jill XV overnight reprimand right