 CHAPTER 11 DOWNBREAKS The greatest people have their weak points, and the best behave boys now and then yield a temptation and get into trouble, as everybody knows. Frank was considered a remarkably well-bred and proper lad, and rather prided himself on his good reputation, for he never got into scrapes like the other fellows. Well, hardly ever, for we must confess that at rare intervals his besetting sin overcame his prudence, and he proved himself an airing human boy. Steam engines had been his idols for years, and they alone could lure him from the path of virtue. Once, in trying to investigate the mechanism of a toy specimen, which had its little boiler and ran about whistling and puffing in the most delightful way, he nearly set the house afire by the sparks that dropped on the straw carpet. Another time in trying experiments with the kitchen tea kettle he blew himself up, and the scars from that explosion he still carried on his hands. He was long past such childish amusements now, but his favorite haunt was the engine house of the new railroad, where he observed the habits of his pets with never-failing interest, and cultivated the goodwill of stokers and breakmen till they allowed him many liberties, and were rather flattered by the admiration expressed for their iron horses by a young jiltamen who liked them better even than his Greek and Latin. There was not much business doing on this road as yet, and the two cars of the passenger trains were often nearly empty. Though full freight trains rolled from the factory to the main road, of which this was only a branch. So things went on in a leisurely manner which gave Frank many opportunities of pursuing his favorite pastime. He soon knew all about number eleven his pet engine, and had several rides on it with Bill, the engineer, so that he felt at home there, and privately resolved that when he was a rich man he would have a road of his own and run trains as often as he liked. Gus took less interest than his friend in the study of steam, but usually accompanied him when he went over after school to disport himself in the engine house, interview the stoker, or see if there is anything new in the way of brakes. One afternoon they found number eleven on the side track, puffing away as if enjoying a quiet smoke before starting. No cars were attached, and no driver was to be seen, for Bill was off with the other men behind the station house, helping the expressman whose horse had backed down a bank and upset the wagon. Good chance for a look at the old lady, said Frank, speaking of the engine as Bill did, and jumping aboard with great satisfaction followed by Gus. I'd give ten dollars if I could run her up to the bend and back, he added, fondly touching the bright brass knobs and glancing at the fire with a critical eye. You couldn't do it alone, answered Gus, sitting down on the grimy little perch, willing to indulge his mate's amiable weakness. Give me leave to try? Steam it up, and I could do it as easy as not. And Frank put his hand on the throttle valve as if daring Gus to give the word. Fire up and make her hum, laughed Gus, quoting Bill's frequent order to his mate, but with no idea of being obeyed. All right, I'll just roll her up to the switch and back again. I've often done it with Bill. And Frank cautiously opened the throttle valve, threw back the lever, and the great thing moved with a throb and a puff. Steady old fellow, you'll come to grief. Here, don't open that, shouted Gus, for just at that moment Joe appeared at the switch, looking ready for mischief. If she would, no train for twenty minutes, and we could run up to the bend as well as not, said Frank, getting excited with the sense of power, as the monster obeyed his hand so entirely that it was impossible to resist prolonging the delight. By George he has. Stop her! Back her! Hold on, Frank, cried Gus, as Joe only catching the words, open that, obeyed, without the least idea that they would dare to leave the sighting. But they did. For Frank rather lost his head for a minute, and out upon the main track rolled number eleven, as quietly as a well-trained horse taking a familiar road. Now you've done it. I'll give you a good thrashing when I get back roared Gus shaking his fist at Joe, who stood staring half pleased, half scared at what he had done. Are you really going to try it, asked Gus, as they glided on with increasing speed? And he too felt the charm of such a novel adventure, though the consequence has been fair to be serious. Yes, I am, answered Frank, with the grim look he always wore, when his strong will got the upper hand. Bill will give it to us, anyway, so we may as well have our fun out. If you are afraid I'll slow down and you can jump off. And his brown eyes sparkled with the double delight of getting his heart's desire, and astonishing his friend at the same time by his skill and coolness. Go ahead, I'll jump when you do. And Gus calmly sat down again, bound in honor to stand by his mate till the smash came, though rather dismayed at the audacity of the prank. Don't you call this just splendid, exclaimed Frank, as they rolled along over the crossing, past the bridge toward the curve, a mile from the crossing. Not bad, they are yelling like mad after us. Better go back if you can, cried Gus, who was anxiously peering out, and in spite of his efforts to seem at ease not enjoying the trip a particle. Let them yell. I started to go to the curve, and I'll do it if it costs me a hundred dollars. No danger, there's no train under twenty minutes, I tell you, and Frank pulled out his watch. But the sun was in his eyes and he did not see clearly, or he would have discovered that it was later than he thought. On they went, and were just rounding the bend when a shrill whistle in front startled both boys, and drove the color out of their cheeks. It's the factory train, cried Gus, in a husky tone as he sprang to his feet. No, it's the five forty on the other road, answered Frank, with a queer thrill, all through him at the thought of what might happen if it was not. Gus looked straight ahead as the last tree glided by, and the long track lay before them, with the freight train slowly coming down. For an instant the boys stood as if paralyzed. Jump, said Gus, looking at the steep bank on one side and the river on the other, undecided which to try. Sit still, commanded Frank, collecting his wits, as he gave a warning whistle to retard the oncoming train, while he reversed the engine and went back faster than he came. A crowd of angry men was waiting for them, and Bill stood at the open switch in a towering passion as number eleven returned to her place unharmed, but bearing two pale and frightened boys who stepped slowly and silently down without a word to say for themselves, while the freight train rumbled by on the main track. Frank and Gus never had a very clear idea as to what occurred during the next few minutes, but vaguely remembered being well shaken, sworn at, questioned, threatened with dire full penalties, and finally ordered off the premises forever by the wrathful depo-master. Joe was nowhere to be seen, and as the two culprits walked away trying to go steadily, while their heads spun round and all the strength seemed to have departed from their legs, Frank said in an exhausted tone. Come down to the boat-house and rest a minute. Both were glad to get out of sight, and dropped upon the steps red, rumpled, and breathless after the late, exciting scene. Gus generously forbore to speak, though he felt that he was the least to blame, and Frank, after eating a bit of snow to moisten his dry lips, said handsomely, Now don't you worry, old man, I'll pay the damages, for it was my fault. Joe will dodge, but I won't, so make your mind easy. We shan't hear the last of this in a hurry, responded Gus, relieved, yet anxious, as he thought of the rubber-man his father would give him. I hope Mother won't hear of it till I tell her quietly myself, she will be so frightened, and think I'm surely smashed up if she is told in a hurry, and Frank gave a shiver as all the danger he had run came over him suddenly. I thought we were done for when we saw that train. Guess we should have been if you had not had your wits about you. I always said you were a cool one, and Gus padded Frank's back with a look of great admiration, for now that it was all over he considered it a very remarkable performance. Which do you suppose it will be, fine or imprisonment, asked Frank, after sitting in a despondent attitude for a moment? Shouldn't wonder if it was both. Getting off with an engine is no joke, you know. What did possess me to be such a fool, grown Frank, repenting, all too late, of yielding to the temptation which assailed him? Bear up, old fellow, I'll stand by you, and if the worst comes I'll call as often as the rules of the prison allow, said Gus, consolingly, as he gave his afflicted friend an arm, and they walked away, both feeling that they were marked men from that day forth. One time Joe, as soon as he recovered from the shock of seeing the boys actually go off, ran away as fast as his legs could carry him to prepare Mrs. Minot for the loss of her son, for the idea of their coming safely back never occurred to him, his knowledge of engines being limited. A loud ring at the bell brought Mrs. Peck, who was guarding the house, while Mrs. Minot entertained a parlor full of company. Frank's run off with number eleven, and he'll be killed, sure, but I'd come up and tell you, stammer Joe, all out of breath and looking wild. He got no further, for Mrs. Peck clapped one hand over his mouth, caught him by the collar with the other, and hustled him into the ante-room before anyone else could hear the bad news. Tell me all about it and don't shout, what's come to the boy, she demanded in a tone that reduced Joe to a whisper at once. Go right back and see what has happened to him, then come and tell me quietly. I'll wait for you here. I wouldn't have his mother startled for the world, said the good soul when she knew all. Oh, I daresent! I opened the switch as they told me to, and Bill will half kill me when he knows it, cried Joe, in a panic, as the awful consequences of his deed rose before him, showing both boys mortally injured and several trains wracked. Then take yourself off home and hold your tongue. I'll watch the door, for I won't have any more ridiculous boys tearing in to disturb my lady. Mrs. Peck often called this good neighbor my lady, when speaking of her. For Mrs. Minot was a true gentlewoman, and much pleasanter to live with than the titled mistress had been. Joe scutted away as if the constable was after him, and presently Frank was seen slowly approaching with an unusually sober face and a pair of very dirty hands. Thank heavens he's safe, and softly opening the door Mrs. Peck actually hustled the young master into the ante-room, as unceremoniously as she had hustled Joe. I beg pardon, but the parlor is full of company, and that fool of a Joe came roaring in with a cock and bull story that gave me quite a turn. What is it, Mr. Frank? She asked eagerly, seeing that something was amiss. He told her in a few words, and she was much relieved to find that no harm had been done. Ah, the danger is to come, said Frank darkly, as he went away to wash his hands and prepare to relate his misdeeds. It was a very bad quarter of an hour for the poor fellow, who so seldom had any grave faults to confess, but he did it manfully, and his mother was so grateful for the safety of her boy that she found it difficult to be severe enough, and contended herself with forbidding any more visits to the two charming number eleven. What do you suppose will be done to me, asked Frank, on whom the idea of imprisonment had made a deep impression? I don't know, dear, but I shall go over to see Mr. Berton right after tea. He will tell us what to do and what to expect. Gust must not suffer for your fault. He'll come off clear enough, but Joe must take his share, for if he had an open, that confounded switch no harm would have been done. But when I saw the way clear I actually couldn't resist going ahead, said Frank, getting excited again at the memory of that blissful moment when he started the engine. Here Jack came hurrying in, having heard the news, and refused to believe it from any lips but Frank's. When he could no longer doubt he was so much impressed with the daring of the deed that he had nothing but admiration for his brother, till a sudden thought made him clap his hands and exclaim exultingly, his runaway beats mine all hollow, and now he can't crow over me. Won't that be a comfort? The good boy has got into a scrape. Hurray! This was such a droll way of taking it that they had to laugh, and Frank took his humiliation so meekly that Jack soon fell to comforting him instead of crowing over him. Jill thought at a most interesting event, and when Frank and his mother went over to consult Mr. Berton, she and Jack planned out for the dear culprit a dramatic trial which would have convulsed the soberest of judges. His sentence was ten years imprisonment, and such heavy finds that the family would have been reduced to beggary, but for the sums made by Jill's fancy work, and Jack's success as a champion pedestrian. They found such comfort and amusement in this sensational program that they were rather disappointed when Frank returned, reporting that a fine would probably be all the penalty exacted. Because no harm had been done, and he and Gus were such respectable boys. What would happen to Joe, he could not tell, but he thought a good whipping ought to be added to his share. Of course the affair made a stir in the little world of children, and when Frank went to school feeling that his character for good behavior was forever damaged, he found himself a lion, and was in danger of being spoiled by the admiration of his comrades who pointed him out with pride as the fellow who ran off with a steam engine. But an interview with Judge Kimball, a fine of twenty-five dollars, and lectures from all the grown people of his acquaintance, prevented him from regarding his escapade as a feat to boast of. He discovered also how fickle a thing is public favor, for very soon those who had praised began to tease, and it took all his courage, patience, and pride to carry him through the next week or two. The lads were never tired of alluding to number eleven, giving shrill whistles in his ear, asking if his watch was right, and drawing locomotives on the blackboard whenever they got a chance. The girls, too, had sly nods and smiles, hints and jokes of a milder sort which made him color and fume, and once looses dignity entirely. Molly Lu, who dearly loved to torment the big boys, and dared attack even solemn Frank, left one of Boo's old tin trains on the doorstep directed to Conductor Minot, who I regret to say could not refrain from kicking it into the street, and slamming the door with a bang that shook the house. Shrieks of laughter from wicked Molly and her co-ed juder, Griff, greeted this explosion of wrath, which did no good, however, for half an hour later the same cars, all in a heap, were on the steps again, with two headless dolls tumbling out of the cab, and the dilapidated engine labelled number eleven after the collision. No one ever saw that ruin again, and for days Frank was utterly unconscious of Molly's existence, as propriety forbade his having it out with her as he had with Griff. And a net made peace between them, and the approach of the twenty-second gave the wag something else to think of. But it was long before Frank forgot that costly prank, for he was a thoughtful boy, who honestly wanted to be good. So he remembered this episode humbly, and whenever he felt the approach of the temptation he made this strong will to master it, saying to himself, down breaks, thus saving the precious freight he carried for many of the accidents which befell us when we try to run our trains without orders. And so often wreck ourselves as well as others. Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott. The twenty-second of February. Of course the young ladies and gentlemen had a ball on the evening of that day, but the boys and girls were full of excitement about their scenes from the life of Washington and other brilliant tableaux, as the program announced. The bird room was the theatre, being very large, with four doors conveniently placed. Ralph was in his element, putting up a little stage, drilling boys, arranging groups, and uniting himself carpenter, scene-painter, manager, and gas-man. Mrs. Minot permitted the house to be turned topsy-turvy, and Mrs. Peck flew about lending a hand everywhere. Jill was costumer, with help from Mrs. Delano, who did not care for balls, and kindly took charge of the girls. Jack printed tickets, programs, and placards of the most imposing sort, and the work went gaily on till all was ready. When the evening came, the bird room presented a fine appearance. One end was curtained off with red drapery, and real footlights, with tin shades, gave a truly theatrical air to the little stage. Rows of chairs filled with mamas and little people occupied the rest of the space. The hall and Frank's room were full of amused papas, uncles, and old gentlemen, whose patriotism brought them out in spite of rheumatism. There was a great rustling of skirts, fluttering of fans, and much lively chat, till a bell rang and the orchestra struck up. Yes, there really was an orchestra, for Ed declared that the national airs must be played, or the whole thing would be a failure. So he had exerted himself to collect all the musical talent he could find, a horn, a fiddle, and a flute, with drum and fife for the martial scenes. Ed looked more beaming than ever, as he waved his baton and let off with Yankee Doodle as a safe beginning, for everyone knew that. It was fun to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a big drum, an old Mr. Munson, who had been a fife for all his days, blow till he was red as a lobster. While everyone kept time to the music which put them all in good spirits for the opening scene. Up went the curtain and several trees and tubs appeared. Then a stately gentleman in small clothes, cocked hat, gray wig, and an imposing cane, came slowly walking in. It was Gus, who had been unanimously chosen not only for Washington, but for the father of the hero also, that the family traits of long legs and a somewhat massive nose might be preserved. Ahem! My trees are doing finely, observed Mr. W. Sr., strolling along with his hands behind him, casting satisfied glances at the dwarf orange, oleander, abutalon, and little pine that represented his orchard. Suddenly he starts, pauses, frowns. And after examining the latter shrub, which displayed several hacks in its stem and a broken limb, with six red velvet cherries hanging on it, he gave a thump with his cane that made the little ones jump and cried out, Can it have been my son? He evidently thought it was, for he called in tones of thunder, George! George Washington, come hither this moment! Great suspense on the part of the audience, then a grunt general burst of laughter as Boo trotted in, a perfect miniature of his honored parent, knee-breeches, cocked hat, shoe-buckles, and all. He was so fat that little tails of his coat stuck out in the drollest way. His chubby legs could hardly carry the big buckles. And the rosy face displayed, when he took off his hat with a dutiful bow, was so solemn, the real George could not have looked more anxious when he gave the immortal answer. Surah, did you cut that tree to mount at the papa with another wrap of the cane, and such a frown that poor Boo looked dismayed, to Molly whispered, Put your hand up, dear. Then he remembered his part, and putting one finger in his mouth looked down at his square-toed shoes, the image of a shame-stricken boy. My son, do not deceive me. If you have done this deed, I shall chastise you, for it is my duty not to spare the rod, lest I spoil the child. But if you lie about it, you disgrace the name of Washington for ever. This appeal seemed to convulse George with inward agony, for he squirmed most effectively as he drew from his pocket a toy hatchet, which would not have cut a straw. Then, looking straight up into the awe-inspiring countenance of his parent, he bravely lisped, Papa, I cannot tell a lie. I did touch it with my little hatchet. Noble boy, come to my arms. I'd rather you spoiled all my cherry-trees than tell one lie, cried the delighted gentleman. Bowing his son in an embrace so close that the fat legs kicked convulsively, and the little coattails waved in the breeze while Cain and Hatchet fell with a dramatic bang. The curtain descended on this affecting tableau, but the audience called out both Washington's, and they came hand in hand, bowing with the cocked-hats pressed to their breasts, the elder smiling blandly, while the younger, still fleshed by his exertions, nodded to his friends asking with engaging frankness, wasn't it nice? The next was a marine piece, for a boat was seen surrounded by tumultuous waves of blue cambrick, and rode by a party of stalwart men in regimentals, who with difficulty kept their seats, for the boat was only a painted board, and they sat on boxes or stools behind it. But few marked the rowers, for in their midst tall, straight, and steadfast as a mast stood one figure in a cloak, with folded arms, high boots, and under the turned-up hat a noble countenance stern with indomitable courage. A sword glittered at his side, and a banner waved over him, but his eye was fixed on the distant shore, and he was evidently unconscious of the roaring billows, the blocks of ice, the discouragement of his men, or the danger and death that might await him. Napoleon crossing the Alps was not half so sublime, and with one voice the audience cried, Washington crossing the Delaware, while the band burst forth with, see the conquering hero comes, all out of tune, but bound to play it or die in the attempt. It would have been very successful if all of a sudden one of the rowers had not caught a crab with disastrous consequences. The oars were not moving, but a veteran who looked very much like Joe dropped the one he held, and in trying to turn and pummel the black-eyed warrior behind him, he tumbled off his seat, upsetting two other men, and pulling the painted boat upon them as they lay kicking in the cambrick deep. Most of laughter greeted this mishap, but George Washington never stirred. Grasping the banner, he stood firm when all else went down in the general wreck, and the icy waves engulfed his gallant crew, leaving him erect amid a chaos of widely tossing boats, entangled oars, and red-faced victims. Such godlike dignity could not fail to impress the frivolous crowd of laughers, and the curtain fell amid a round of applause for him alone. Quite exciting, wasn't it? Didn't know Gus had so much presence of mind, said Mr. Burton, well pleased with his boy. If we did not know that Washington died in his bed December 14, 1799, I should fear that we'd seen the last of him in that ship-rack, laughed an old gentleman, proud of his memory for dates. Much confusion reigned behind the scenes. Ralph was heard scolding, and Joe set everyone off again by explaining audibly that Griff tickled him, and he couldn't stand it. A pretty old-fashioned picture of the daughters of liberty followed, for the girls were determined to do honour to the brave and patient women who so nobly bore their part in the struggle, yet are usually forgotten when those days are celebrated. The Dambels were charming in the big caps, flowered gowns, and high-heeled shoes of their great grandmothers, as they sat about a spider-legged table talking over the tacks, and pledging themselves to drink no more tea till it was taken off. Molly was on her feet, proposing liberty for ever, and down with all tyrants, to judge from her flashing eyes, as she held her eggshell cup aloft, while the others lifted theirs to drink the toast, and Mary as hostess sat with her hand on an antique teapot, labelled Sage, ready to fill again when the patriotic ladies were ready for a second dish. This was much applauded, and the curtain went up again for the proud parents enjoyed seeing their pretty girls in the faded finery of a hundred years ago. The band played Old Lang Syne as a gentle hint that our foremothers should be remembered as well as the four fathers. It was evident that something very marshal was to follow, for a great tramping, clashing, and flying about took place behind the scenes while the tea-party was going on. After some delay the surrender of Cornwallis was presented in the most superb manner, as you can believe when I tell you that the stage was actually lined with a glittering array of Washington and his generals, Lafayette, Casayusco, Rochambu, and the rest, as well as the men of the town. The battle in astonishing uniforms was swords which were evidently the pride of their lives. Fife and drum struck up a march, and in came Cornwallis much cast down but full of manly resignation, as he surrendered his sword and stood aside with averted eyes while his army marched past piling their arms at the hero's feet. This scene was the delight of the boys, for the rifles of company were lowered, and at least a dozen soldiers kept filing in and out in British uniform till Washington's august legs were hidden by the heaps of arms rattled down before him. The marshal music, the steady tramp, and the patriotic memories awakened caused this scene to be enthusiastically encored, and the boys would have gone on marching till midnight if Ralph had not preemptorily ordered down the curtain and cleared the stage for the next tableau. This had been artfully slipped in between two brilliant ones to show that the father of his country had to pay a high price for his glory. The darkened stage represented what seemed to be a camp in a snowstorm and a very forlorn camp, too. For on the cold, cold ground, a reckless display of cotton batting, lay ragged soldiers sleeping without blankets, their worn-out boots turned up, pathetically, and no signs of food or fire to be seen. A very shabby sentinel with feet bound in bloody claws, and his face as pale as chalk could make it, gnawed a dry crust as he kept his watch in the wintery night. A tent at the back of the stage showed a solitary figure sitting on a log of wood pouring over the map spread upon his knee. By the light of one candle stuck in a bottle. There could be no doubt who this was, for the buff and blue coat, the legs, the nose, the attitude, all betrayed the great George, laboring to save his country in spite of privations, discouragements, and dangers which would have daunted any other man. Charlie Forage said someone, and the room was very still, as old and young looked silently at this little picture of a great and noble struggle in one of its dark hours. The crust, the wounded feet, the rags, the snow, the loneliness, the indomitable courage and endurance of these men touched the hearts of all, for the mimic scene grew real for a moment, and then a child's voice broke the silence asking roughly, oh, Mama, was it truly as dreadful as that? A general outburst answered, as if everyone wanted to cheer up the brave fellows and bid them fight on, for victory was surely coming. In the next scene it did come, and Washington at Trenton was prettily done, an arch of flowers crossed the stage with the motto, the defenders of the mothers will be the preserver of the daughters, and as the hero with his generals advanced on one side, a troop of girls in old fashioned muslin frocks came to scatter flowers before him, singing the song of long ago. Welcome, mighty chief, once more, welcome to this grateful shore, now no mercenary foe aims again the fatal blow, aims at thee the fatal blow, virgin's fair and matron's grave, those thy conquering arm did save build for thee triumphal bowers, strew ye fair his way with flowers, strew your hero's way with flowers. And they did, singing with all their hearts as they flung artificial roses and lilies at the feet of the great man, who bowed with benign grace. Jack, who did Lafayette with a limp, covered himself with glory by picking up one of the bouquets and pressing it to his heart, with all the gallantry of a Frenchman. And when Washington lifted the smallest of the maids and kissed her, the audience cheered. Couldn't help it, you know, it was so pretty and inspiring. The Washington family, after the famous picture, came next, with Annette as the serene and sensible Martha in a very becoming cap. The general was in uniform, there being no time to change, but his attitude was quite correct. And the Curtis Boy and girl displayed the wide sash and ruffled collar with historic fidelity. The band played home, and everyone agreed that it was sweet. Now I don't see what more they can have except the death bed, and that would be rather out of place in this gay company, said the old gentleman to Mr. Burton. As he mocked his heated face, after pounding so heartily, he nearly knocked the ferrule off his cane. No, they gave that up, for my boy wouldn't wear a nightgown in public. I can't tell secrets, but I think they got a very clever little finale for the first part. A pretty compliment to one person, and a pleasant surprise to all, answered Mr. Burton, who was in great spirits, being fond of theatricals, and very justly proud of his children. For the little girls had been among the Trenton maids, and the mimic general had kissed his own small sister Nellie very tenderly. A great deal of interest was felt as to what this surprise was to be, and a general, oh, greeted the minute man, standing motionless upon his pedestal. It was Frank, and Ralph had done his best to have the figure as perfect as possible. For the maker of the original had been a good friend to him, and while the young sculptor was dancing gaily at the ball, this copy of his work was doing him honour among the children. Frank looked at well, for his firm-set mouth was full of resolution, his eyes shone keen and courageous under the three-cornered hat, and the muscles stood out upon the bare arm that clutched the old gun. Even the buttons on the gaiters seemed to flash defiance as the sturdy legs took the first step from the furrow toward the bridge where the young farmer became a hero when he fired the shot heard round the world. That is splendid, as like to the original as flesh can be to bronze. How still he stands! He'll fight when the time comes and die hard, won't he? Hush! You make the statue blush. These very audible remarks certainly did, for the colour rose visibly as the modest lad heard himself praise, though he saw but one face in all the crowd, his mother's, far back but full of love and pride, as she looked up at her young minute man, waiting for the battle which often calls us when we least expect it, and for which she had done her best to make him ready. If there had been any danger of Frank being puffed up by the success of his statue, it was counteracted by irrepressible griff, who just at the most interesting moment when all were gazing silently gave a whistle followed by a choo-choo-choo and all aboard. So naturally that no one could mistake the joke, especially as another laughing voice added, now then number eleven, which brought down the house and the curtain, too. Frank was so angry it was very difficult to keep him on his perch for the last scene of all. He submitted, however, rather than spoil the grand finale, hoping that its beauty would he face that ill-timed pleasantry from the public mind. So when the agreeable clamor of hands and voices called for a repetition, the minute man reappeared grimmer than before, but not alone, for grouped all about his pedestal were Washington and his generals, the matrons and maids, with a background of troops, shouldering arms, Griff and Joe doing such rash things with their muskets that more than one hero received a poke in his august back. Before the full richness of this picture had been taken in, Ed gave a rap, and all burst out with Hale Columbia, in such an inspiring style that it was impossible for the audience to refrain from joining, which they did, all standing and all singing with the hardiness that made the walls ring. The fife shrilled, the horn blue sweet and clear, the fiddle was nearly drowned by the energetic boom of the drum, and out into the starry night through open windows rolled the song that stirs the coldest heart with patriotic warmth and tunes every voice to music. America, we must have America! Pipe up, Ed, this is too good to end without one song more, cried Mr. Burton, who had been singing like a trumpet and hardly waiting to get their breath. Off they went again with the national hymn, singing as they never had sung it before, for somehow the little scenes they had just acted or beheld seemed to show how much this dear America of ours had cost in more than one revolution, how full of courage, energy and virtue it was in spite of all its faults, and what a privilege as well as duty it was for each to do his part towards its safety and its honor in the present, as did those brave men and women in the past. So the scenes from the life of Washington were a great success, and when the songs were over the people were glad of a brief recess while they had raptures and refreshed themselves with lemonade. The girls had kept a secret of who the princess was to be and when the curtain rose a hum of surprise and pleasure greeted the pretty group. Jill lay asleep in all her splendor the Bonnie Prince just lifting the veil to wake her with a kiss and all about them the court in its nap of a hundred years. King and Queen dozing comfortably on the throne the maids of honor like a garland of knotting flowers about the couch the little page unconscious of the blow about to fall and the fool dreaming with his mouth wide open. It was so pretty people did not tire of looking till Jack's lame leg began to tremble and he whispered, dropper or I shall pitch. Down went the curtain but it rose in a moment there was the court after the awakening the King and Queen looking about them with sleepy dignity the maids in various attitudes of surprise the fool grinning from ear to ear and the princess holding out her hand to the prince as if glad to welcome the right lover when he came at last. Molly got the laugh this time so she could not resist giving poor Boo the cuff which had been hanging over him so long she gave it with unconscious energy and Boo cried so naturally that all the children were delighted and wanted it repeated but Boo declined and the scenes which followed were found quite as much to their taste having been expressly prepared for the little people Mother Goose's reception was really very funny for Ralph was the old lady and had hired representation of the immortal bird from a real theater for this occasion there they stood the dame in her pointed hat red petticoat cap and cane with the noble foul a good deal larger than life beside her and Griff inside enjoying himself immensely as he flapped the wings moved the yellow legs and waved the long neck about while unearthly quacks issued from the bill that was a great surprise for the children and they got up in their seats to gaze their fill many of them firmly believing that they actually beheld the blessed old women who wrote the nursery songs they loved so well then in came one after another the best of the characters she had made famous while a voice behind the scenes sang the proper rhyme as each made their manners to the interesting pair Mistress Mary and her pretty maid Zollanaroe passed by to their places in the background King Cole and his fiddlers three made a goodly show so did the royal couple who followed the great pie born before them with the four and twenty blackbirds popping their heads out in the most delightful way little Bo Peep led a woolly lamb and wept over its lost tail for not a sign of one appeared on the poor thing simple Simon followed the pieman gloating over his wares with the drollist antics the little wife came trundling by in a wheelbarrow and was not upset by the lady with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes as she cantered along on a rocking horse Bobby Shaftow's yellow hair shone finely as he led in the maid whom he came back from sea to marry Miss Muffet, Bolenhand ran away from an immense black spider which waggled its long legs in a way so lifelike that some of the children shook in their little shoes the beggars who came to town and the horse rags tags and velvet gowns quite true to life Boy Blue rubbed his eyes with hay sticking in his hair and tooted on a tin horn as if bound to get the cows out of the corn Molly, with a long handled frying pan made a capital queen in a tucked up gown checked apron and high crown to Good King Arthur who very properly did not appear after stealing the barley meal which might be seen in the pan tied up in a pudding like a cannon ball ready to fry but Tobias, Molly's black cat covered himself with glory by the spirit with which he acted his part in sing, sing, what shall I sing the cats run away with the pudding-bag string first he was led across the stage on his hind legs looking very fierce and indignant with a long tape trailing behind him and being set free at the proper moment he gave one bound over the four and twenty blackbirds who happened to be in the way and dashed off as if an enraged cook had actually been after him straight downstairs to the coal bin where he sat glaring in the dark till the fun was over when all the characters had filed in and stood in two long rows music struck up and they danced all the way to Boston a simple but lively affair which gave a chance to show his or her costume as they pranced on the middle and up outside such a fun medley as it was for there went Fat King Cole with the most ragged of the beggar-maids Mistress Mary and her pretty blue gown tripped along with simple Simon staring about him like a blockhead the fine lady left her horse to dance with Beau Shaftot till every bell on her slippers tinkled its tongue out Beau Peep and a jolly fiddler skipped gaily up and down Miss Muffet took the big spider for her partner and made his many legs fly about in the wildest way the little wife got out of the wheel-barrow to help boy blue along and Molly with a frying-pan over her shoulder let off splendidly when it was grand right and left but the old lady and her goose were the best of all for the dame shoe-buckles cut the most astonishing pigeon wings and to see that mammoth bird waddle down in middle with its wings half open its long neck bridling and its yellow legs in the first position as it curtsied to its partner was a sight to remember it was so intensely funny the merry old gentleman laughed till he cried Mr. Burton split his gloves he applauded so enthusiastically while the children beat the dust out of the carpet hopping up and down as they cried do it again! we want it all over when the curtain went down at last on the fleshed and panting party mother G. bowing with her hat all awry and the goose doing a double shuffle as if it did not know how to leave off but they could not do it all over again for it was growing late and the people felt that they certainly had received their money's worth that evening so it all ended merrily and when the guests departed the boys cleared the room like magic and the promised supper to the actors was served in a handsome style Jack and Jill were at one end Mrs. Goose and her bird at the other and all between was a comical collection of a military hero's fairy characters and nursery celebrities all felt the need of refreshment after their labors and swept over the table like a flight of locusts leaving devastation behind but they had earned their fun and much innocent jollity prevailed while a few lingering papa's and mama's watched the revelations all lingering papa's and mama's watched the revel from afar and had not the heart to order these noble-beings home till even the father of his country declared that he'd had a perfectly splendid time but couldn't keep his eyes open another minute and very wisely retired to replace the immortal cocked hat with a nightcap End of Chapter 12 CHAPTER XIII of Jack and Jill This is a LibriVox recording LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Mary Anderson Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott CHAPTER XIII Jack has a mystery What is the matter? Does your headache ask Jill one evening in March observing that Jack sat with his head in his hands an attitude which with him meant either pain or perplexity? No, but I'm bothered I want some money and I don't see how I can earn it, he answered tumbling his hair about and frowning darkly at the fire How much? And Jill's ready hand went to the pocket where her little purse lay for she felt rich with several presents lately made her 275 No, thank you, I won't borrow What is it for? Why, I thought you told me everything Sorry, but I can't this time Don't you worry, I shall think of something Couldn't your mother help? Don't wish to ask her Why? Can't she know? Nobody can How queer Is it a scrape Jack as Jill looking as curious as a magpie? It is likely to be if I can't get out of it this week somehow Well, I don't see how I can help it if I'm not to know anything and Jill seemed rather hurt You can just stop asking questions and tell me how a fellow can earn some money that would help I've got one dollar, but I must have some more and Jack looked worried as he fingered a little gold dollar on his watchguard Oh, do you mean to use that? Yes, I do a man must pay his debts if he sells all he has to do it externally Dear me, it must be something very serious and Jill lay quite still for five minutes thinking over all the ways in which Jack ever did earn money for Mrs. Minow liked to have her boys work and paid them in some way for all that they did Is there any wood to saw she asked presently being very anxious to help All done Paz to shovel No snow Not time for that yet Catalog of books Frank got that job Copy those letters for your mother Take me too long Must have my money Friday if possible I don't see what we can do then It is too early or too late for everything and you won't borrow Not of you nor of anyone else if I can possibly help it I've promised to do this myself and I will and Jack wagged his head resolutely Couldn't he do something with the printing press Do me some cards and then perhaps the other girls will want some said Jill as a forlorn hope Just a thing What a goose I was not to think of it I'll rig the old machine up at once and starting from his seat Jack dived into the big closet dragged out the little press and fell to oiling, dusting and putting it in order when relieved of a great anxiety Give me the types I'll sort them out and set up my name so you can begin as soon as you are ready You know what a help I was when we did the programs I'm almost sure the girls will want cards and I know your mother would like some more tags, said Jill briskly rattling the letters into the different compartments While Jack inked the rollers and hunted up his big apron whistling the while with recovered spirits A dozen neat cards were soon printed and Jill insisted on paying six cents for them as earning was not borrowing A few odd tags were found and done for Mama who immediately ordered four dozen at six cents a dozen though she was not told why there was such a pressing call for money Jack's monthly half-dollar had been spent the first week twenty-five cents for a concert ten paid a fine for keeping along from the library ten more to have his knife ground and five in candy for he dearly loved sweeties and was under bonds to Mama not to spend more than five cents a month on these unwholesome temptations She never asked the boys what they did with their money but expected them to keep account in the little books she gave them and now and then they showed the neat pages with pardonable pride though she often laughed at the queer items All that evening Jack and Co. worked busily for when Frank came in he good-naturedly ordered some pale paint cards for Annette and ran to the store to choose the right shade and buy some packages for the young printer also What do you suppose he is in such a pucker for? whispered Jill as she set up the new name to Frank who sat close by with one eye on his book and one on her Oh some notion of a queer chap but I guess it isn't much of a scrape or I should know it he's so good-natured he's always promising to do things for people and has too much pluck to give up when he finds he can't let him alone and it will all come out soon enough answered Frank who laughed at his brother but loved him nonetheless for the tender heart that often got the better of his young head but for once Frank was mistaken the mystery did not come out as orders poured in when Jill and Annette showed their elegant cards for as everybody knows if one girl has a new thing all the rest must whether it is a bow on the top of her head a peculiar sort of pencil or the latest kind of chewing gum little play did the poor fellow get for every spare minute was spent at the press and no invitation could tempt him away so much in earnest was our honest little Franklin about paying his debt Jill helped all she could and cheered his labors with her encouragement remembering how he stayed at home for her it is real good of you to lend a hand and I'm ever so much obliged said Jack as the last order was struck off and the drawer of the tight box held a pile of shining five and ten cent pieces with two or three quarters I loved to only it would be nicer if I knew what we were working for she said to merely as she scattered type for the last time and seeing that Jack was well tired and grateful hoped to get a hint of the secret I want to tell you dreadfully but I can't because I've promised what never never and Jack looked as firm as a rock then I shall find out for I haven't promised you can't see if I don't you are sharp but you won't guess this it's a tremendous secret and nobody will tell it you'll tell it yourself you always do I won't tell this it would be mean wait and see I can get anything out of you if I try and Jill laughed knowing her power well for Jack found it very hard to keep a secret from her don't try please don't it wouldn't be right and you don't want to make me do a dishonorable thing for your sake I know Jack looked so distressed that Jill promised not to make him tell though she held herself free to find out in other ways if she could thus relieved Jack trudged off to school on Friday with the $2.75 jingling in his pocket though the dear gold coin had to be sacrificed to make up the sum he did his lessons badly that day he was late at recess in the afternoon and as soon as school was over departed in his rubber boots to take a walk he said though the roads were in a bad state with a spring thaw nothing was seen of him till after tea time when he came limping in very dirty and tired but with a reposeful expression which betrayed that a load was off his mind Frank was busy about his own affairs and paid little attention to him but Jill was on tenterhooks to know where he had been yet dared not ask the question Mary's brother wants some cards he likes her so much he wishes to make his lady love a present here's the name and Jill held up the order from Harry Grant who was to be married in the autumn must wait till next week I'm too tired to do a thing tonight and I hate the sight of that old press answered Jack laying himself down upon the rug as if every joint ached what made you take such a long walk? you look as tired as if you'd been ten miles said Jill hoping to discover the length of the trip had to four or five miles isn't much only my leg bothered me and Jack gave the ailing member a slap as if he had found it much in his way that day for though he had given up the crutches long ago he rather missed their support sometimes then with a great yawn he stretched himself out to bask in the blaze pillowing his head on his arms dear old thing he looks all used up I won't plague him with talking and Jill began to sing as she often did in the twilight by the time the first song ended a gentle snore was heard and Jack lay fast asleep worn out with a busy week and the walk which had been longer was guessed Jill took up her knitting and worked quietly by firelight still wondering and guessing what the secret could be but she had not much to amuse her and little things were very interesting if connected with her friends presently Jack rolled over and began to mutter in his sleep as he often did when he was too weary for sound slumber Jill paid no attention till he uttered a name which made her prick up her ears and listened to the broken sentences which followed only a few words but she dropped her work saying to herself I do believe he is talking about the secret now I shall find out and he will tell me himself as I said he would much pleased she leaned and listened but could make no sense of the confused babble about heavy boots all right old fellow Jerry's off and the ink is too thick the slam of the front door woke Jack and he pulled himself up declaring that he believed he had been having a nap I wish you'd have another said Jill greatly disappointed at the loss of the intelligence she seemed to be so near getting Floor is too hard for tired bones guess I'll go to bed and get rested up for Monday I've worked like a fury this week so next I'm going in for fun and little dreaming what hard times were in store for him Jack went off to enjoy his warm bath and welcome bed where he was soon sleeping with the serene look of one whose dreams were happy whose conscience was at rest I have a few words to say to you before you go said Mr. Acton pausing with his hand on the bell Monday afternoon when the hour came for dismissing school the bustle of putting away books and preparing for as rapid a departure as propriety allowed subsided suddenly and the boys and girls sat as still as mice while the hearts of such as had been guilty of any small sins began to beat fast you remember that we had some trouble last winter about keeping the boys away from the saloon and that a rule was made forbidding any pupil to go to town during recess began Mr. Acton who being a conscientious man as well as an excellent teacher felt that he was responsible for the student school hours and did his best to aid parents in guarding them from the few temptations which beset them in a country of town a certain attracted little shop where confectionary baseballs stationary and picture papers were sold was a favorite loafing place for some of the boys till the rule forbidding it was made because in the rear of the shop was a beer and billiards saloon a wise rule for the picture papers were not always of the best sort cigars were to be had idle fellows hung about there and some of the lads who wanted to be thought manly ventured to pass the green bay's door just to look on a murmur answered the teacher's question and he continued you all know that the rule was broken several times and I told you the next offender would be publicly reprimanded as private punishments had no effect I am sorry to say that the time has come and the offender is a boy whom I trusted entirely it grieves me to do this but I must keep my promise and hope the example will have a good effect Mr. Action paused as if he found it hard to go on and the boys looked at one another with inquiring eyes for their teacher seldom punished and when he did it was a very solemn thing several of these anxious glances fell on Joe who was very red and set whittling a pencil as if he dared not lift his eyes he's the chap won't he catch it whispered gust of frank for both owed him a grudge the boy who broke the rule last Friday at afternoon recess will come to the desk said Mr. Action in his most impressive manner if a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would have hardly have caused a greater surprise than the light of Jack Minot walking slowly down the aisle with a wrathful flash in his eyes he turned on Joe as he passed him now Minot let us have this over as soon as possible for I do not like it any better than you do and I am sure there is some mistake I'm told you went to the shop on Friday is it true as Mr. Action very gently for he liked Jack and seldom had to correct him in any way yes sir and Jack looked up as if proud to show that he was not afraid to tell the truth as far as he could to buy something no sir to meet someone yes sir was it Jerry Shannon no answer but Jack's fists doubled up of themselves as he shot another fiery glance at Joe whose face burned as if it scorched him I am told it was also that you were seen to go into the saloon with him did you and Mr. Action 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 wildfellows the boys all shunned and to have any dealings with him was considered a very disgraceful thing did you play no sir I can't drink beer I belong to the lodge and Jack stood as a wrecked 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 Mr. Action 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 anyone beside Jerry know of this one other fellow after a pause yes I understand and Mr. Acton's eyes glanced at Joe with a look that seemed to say I wish he'd held his tongue a queer smile flitted over Jack's face for Joe was not the other fellow and knew very little about it accepting what he had seen when he was sent on an errand by Mr. Acton on Friday I wish you would explain the matter John for I am sure it is better than it seems and it would be very hard to punish you when you don't deserve it but I do deserve it I've broken the rule and I ought to be punished said Jack as if a good whipping would be easier to bear than this public cross examination and you can't explain or even say you're sorry or ashamed asked Mr. Acton hoping to surprise another fact out of the boy no sir I can't I'm not ashamed I'm not sorry and I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to cry Jack losing patience and looking as if he would not bear much more a groan from the boys greeted this bear face declaration and Susie quite shivered at the idea of having taken two bites out of the apple of such a hardened desperado think it over till tomorrow and perhaps you will change your mind remember that this is the last week of the month and reports are given out next Friday said Mr. Acton knowing how much the boy prided himself and always having good ones to show his mother poor Jack turned scarlet and bit his lips to keep them still for he had forgotten this when he plunged into the affair which was likely to cost him dear then the color faded away the boyish face grew steady and the honest eyes looked up at his teacher as he said very low but all heard him the room was so still it isn't as bad as it looks sir but I can't say any more no one is to blame but me and I couldn't help breaking the rule for Jerry was going away I had only that time and I'd promised to pay up so I did Mr. Acton believed every word he said and regretted that they had not been able to have it out privately but he too must keep his promise and punish the offender whoever he was very well you will lose your thesis for a week and this month's report will be the first one in which behavior does not get the highest mark you may go and I wish it understood that master Minot is not to be troubled with questions till he chooses to set this matter right then the bell rang the children trooped out Mr. Acton went off without another word and Jack was left alone to put up his books and hide a few tears that would come because Frank turned his eyes away from the imploring look cast upon him as the culprit came down from the platform a disgraced boy elder brothers are apt to be a little hard on younger ones so it is not surprising that Frank who was an eminently proper boy was much cut up when Jack publicly confessed to dealings with Jerry leaving it to be supposed that the worst half of the story remained untold he felt at his duty therefore to collar poor Jack when he came out and talk to him all the way home like a judge bent on getting at the truth by main force a kind word would have been very comforting but the scolding was too much for Jack's temper so he turned dogged and would not say a word though Frank threatened not to speak to him for a week at tea time both boys were very silent one looking grim the other excited Frank stared sternly at his brother across the table and no amount of marmalade sweetened or softened that reproachful look Jack defiantly crunched his toast with occasional slashes at the butter as if he must vent the pent up emotions which half distracted him of course their mother saw that something was amiss but did not allude to it hoping that the cloud would blow over as so many did if left alone but this one did not both refused cake this sure sign of unusual perturbation made her anxious to know the cause as soon as tea was over Jack retired with gloomy dignity to his own room and Frank casting away the paper he had been pretending to read burst out with the whole story Mrs. Minot was as much surprised as he but not angry because like most mothers she was sure that her sons could not do anything very bad I will speak to him my boy won't refuse to give me some explanation she said when Frank had freed his mind with as much warmth as if Jack had broken all the ten commandments he will you often call me obstinate but he is as pig headed as a mule Joe only knows what he saw old tell-tale and Jerry has left town or I'd have it out of him make Jack own up whether he found or not little donkey stormed Frank who hated rowdies and could not forgive his brother for being seen with one my dear all boys do foolish things sometimes even the wisest and best behaved so don't be hard on the poor child he has got into trouble I have no doubt but it cannot be very bad and he earned the money to pay for his prank whatever it was Mrs. Minot left the room he spoke and Frank cooled down as if her words had been a shower bath for he remembered his own costly escapade and how kindly both his mother and Jack had stood by him on that trying occasion so feeling rather remorseful he went off to talk it over with Gus leaving Jill in a fever of curiosity for Mary and Molly had dropped in on their way home to break the blow to her and Frank declined to discuss it with her after stating that Jack was a niny in his opinion well I know one thing said Jill confidentially to Snowball when they were left alone together if everyone else is scolding him I won't say a word it's so mean to crawl over people when they are down and I'm sure he hasn't done anything to be ashamed of though he won't tell Snowball seemed to agree to this for he went and sat down by Jack slippers waiting for him on the hearth Jill thought that a very touching proof of affectionate fidelity to the little master who ruled them both when he came it was evident that he had found it harder to refuse his mother than all the rest but she trusted him in spite of appearances and that was such a comfort for poor Jack's heart was very full and he longed to tell the whole story but he would not break his promise and so kept silence bravely Jill asked no questions affecting to be anxious for the games they always played together in the evening but while they played though the lips were sealed the bright eyes said as plainly as words I trust you and Jack was very grateful it was well he had something to cheer him up at home for he got little peace at school he bore the grave looks of Mr. Acton meekly took the boys jokes good naturedly and withstood the artful teasing of the girls with patient silence but it was very hard for the social affectionate fellow to bear the general distrust for he had been such a favorite he felt the change keenly but the thing that tried him most was the knowledge that his report would not be what it usually was it was always a happy moment when he showed it to his mother and saw her eye brighten as it fell on the 99 or 100 for she cared more for good behavior than for perfect lessons Mr. Acton once said that Frank Minow's moral influence in the school was unusual and Jack never forgot her pride and delight as she told them what Frank himself had not known till then it was Jack's ambition to have the same set of him for he was not much of a scholar and he had tried hard since he went back to school to get good records in that respect at least now here was a dreadful downfall tardy marks bad company broken rules and something too wrong to tell apparently well I deserve a good report and that's a comfort though nobody believes it he said to himself trying to keep up his spirits as the slow week went by and no word from him had cleared up the mystery End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Jack and Jill This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Mary Anderson Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 14 and Jill finds it out Jill worried about it more than he did for she was a faithful little friend and it was a great trial to have Jack even suspected of doing anything wrong School is a child's world while he is there and its small affairs are very important to him so Jill felt that the one thing to be done was to clear away the cloud about her dear boy and restore him to public favor Ed will be here Saturday night and maybe he will find out for Jack tells him everything I do hate to have him hectered so for I know he is though he's too proud to complain she said on Thursday evening when Frank told her some joke played upon his brother that day I let him alone but I see that he isn't badgered too much that's all I can do if Ed had only come home last Saturday it might have done some good but now it will be too late for the reports are given out tomorrow you know answered Frank feeling a little jealous of Ed's influence over Jack though his own would have been as great if he had been as gentle has Jerry come back asked Jill who kept all her questions for Frank because she seldom alluded to the tender subject when with Jack no he's off for the summer got a place somewhere hope he'll stay there and let Bob alone where is Bob now I don't hear much about him lately said Jill who was constantly on the look out for the other fellow since it was not Joe oh he went to Captain Skinner's the first of March chores round and goes to school up there Captain is strict and won't let Bob come to town except Sundays but he don't mind it much for he likes horses has nice grub and the hillfellas are good chaps for him to be with so he's all right if he only behaves how far is it to Captain Skinner's asked Jill suddenly having listened with her sharp eyes on Frank as he tinkered away at his model since he was forbidden all other indulgence in his beloved pastime it's four miles to Hill District but the Captain lives this side of the schoolhouse about three from here I should say how long would it take a boy to walk up there went on the questioner with a new idea in her head depends on how much of a walk as he is suppose he was lame and it was sloshy and he made a call and he came back how long would that take asked Jill impatiently well in that case I should say two or three hours but it's impossible to tell exactly unless you know how lame the fellow was and how long a call he made said Frank who liked to be accurate Jack couldn't do it unless could he he used to run up that hilly road for a breather and think nothing of it it would be a long job for him now poor little chap for his leg often troubles him though he hates to own it Jill lay back and laugh a happy little laugh as if she was pleased about something and Frank looked over his shoulder to ask questions in his turn what are you laughing at can't tell why do you want to know about Hill District are you going there wish I could tell him who never mind please push up my table I must write a letter and I want you to post it for me tonight and never say a word till I give you leave oh now you are going to have secrets and be mysterious and get into a mess are you and Frank looked down at her with a suspicious air though he was intensely curious to know what she was about go away till I'm done until the answer comes and propping herself up Jill wrote the following note with some hesitation at the beginning and end for she did not know the gentleman she was addressing except by sight and it was rather awkward Robert Walker dear sir I want to ask if Jack Minot came to see you last Friday afternoon he got into trouble being seen with Jerry Shannon he paid him some money Jack won't tell and Mr. Acton talked to him about it before all the school we feel bad because we think Jack did not do wrong I don't know as you have anything to do with it but I thought I'd ask please answer quick respectfully yours Jane Peck to make sure that her dispatch was not tampered with Jill put a great splash of red sealing wax on it which gave it a very official look at the address Bob when he received it there go and post it and don't let anyone see or know about it she said handing it over to Frank who left his work with unusual alacrity to do her errand when as I fell on the address he laughed and said in a teasing way are you and Bob such good friends that you correspond what will Jack say don't know and don't care be good now and let's have a little secret I'll tell you all about it when he answers said Jill in her most coaxing tone suppose he doesn't then I shall send you up to see him I must know something and I want to do it myself if I can look here what are you after I do believe you think Frank got no farther for Jill gave a little scream and stopped him by crying eagerly don't say it aloud and I'm going to find out what made you think of him and Frank looked thoughtfully at the letter as if turning carefully over in his mind the idea that Jill's quick wits had jumped at come here and I'll tell you holding him by one button she whispered something in his ear that made him exclaim with a look at the rug no did he I declare I shouldn't wonder it would be just like the dear old Blunderhead I never thought of it till you told me where Bob was and then it all sort of burst upon me in one minute cried Jill waving her arms about to express the intellectual explosion which had thrown light upon the mystery like skyrockets in a dark night you were as bright as a button no time to lose I'm off and off he was splashing through the mud to post a letter on the back of which he added to make the thing sure hurry up FM both felt rather guilty next day but enjoyed themselves very much nevertheless and kept chuckling over the mind they were making under Jack's unconscious feet they hardly expected an answer at noon as the Hill people were not very eager for their mail but at night Jill was sure of a letter and to her great delight it came Jack brought it himself with fun and while she eagerly read it he sat calmly pouring over the latest number of his own private and particular youth's companion Bob was not a complete letter writer by any means and with great labor and much ink had produced the following brief but highly satisfactory epistle not knowing how to address his fair correspondent he let it alone and wouldn't once to the point in the frankest possible way Jack did come up Friday sorry he got into a mess it was real kind of him and I shall pay him back soon Jack paid Jerry for me and I made him promise not to tell Jerry said he'd come here and make a row if I didn't cash up I was afraid I'd lose the place if he did for the captain is awful strict if Jack don't till now I will I ain't mean glad you wrote ROW her ROW cried Jill waving the letter over her head in great triumph call everybody and read it out she added as Frank snatched it and ran for his mother seeing in a glance that the news was good Jill was so afraid she should tell before the others came that she burst out seeing pretty Bobby Shaftow at the top of her voice to Jack's great disgust for he considered the song very personal as he was rather fond of combing down his yellow hair and Jill often plagued him by singing it when he came in with the golden quirls very smooth and nice to hide the scar in his forehead in about five minutes the door flew open and in came Mama making straight for bewildered Jack who thought the family had gone crazy when his parent caught him in his arms saying tenderly my good generous boy I knew he was right all the time while Frank worked his hand up and down like a pump handle exclaiming heartily you're a trump sir and I'm proud of you Jill meantime calling out in wild delight I told you so I told you so I did find out haha I did come I say what's the matter I'm all right don't squeeze the breath out of me please expostulated Jack looking so startled and innocent as he struggled feebly but they all laughed and this plaintive protest caused him to be released but the next proceeding did not enlighten him much for Frank kept waving a very inky paper before him and ordering him to read it while Mama made a charge at Jill as if it was absolutely necessary to hug somebody hello said Jack when he got the letter into his own hand and read it now who put Bob up to this nobody had any business to interfere but it's mighty good of him anyway he added as the anxious lines in his round face smooth themselves away while a smile of relief told how hard it had been for him to keep his word I did cry Jill clapping her hands and looking so happy that he could not have scolded her if he had wanted to who told you he was in the scrape demanded Jack in a hurry to know all about it now the seal was taken off his own lips you did and Jill's face twinkled with naughty satisfaction for this was the best fun of all I didn't when where it's a joke you did cry Jill pointing to the rug you went to sleep there after the long walk and talked in your sleep about Bob an all right old boy and ever so much gibberish I didn't think about it then but when I heard that Bob was up there I thought maybe he knew something about it and last night I wrote and asked him and that's the answer and now it is all right and you are the best boy that ever was and I'm so glad here Jill paused all out of breath and Frank said with an approving pat on the head it won't do to have such a sharp young person round if we are going to have secrets you'd make a good detective miss catch me taking nap before people again and Jack looked rather crestfallen that his own words had set fine ear on the track never mind I didn't mean to tell though I just ache to do it all the time so I haven't broken my word I'm glad you all know but you needn't let it get out for Bob is a good fellow and I might make trouble for him at a Jack anxious less his gain should be the others loss I shall tell Mr. Acton myself and the captain also for I'm not going to have my son suspected of wrongdoing when he has only tried to help a friend and born enough for his sake said Mama much excited by this discovery of generous fidelity in her boy though when one came to look at it calmly one saw that it might have been done in a wiser way now please don't make a fuss about it that would be most as bad everyone down on me I can stand your praising me but I won't be padded on the head by anybody else and Jack assumed a manly air though his face was full of genuine boyish pleasure at being set right in the eyes of those he loved I'll be discreet dear but you owe it to yourself as well as Bob to have the truth known both have behaved well and no harm will come to him in a tone that set Jack's mind at rest on that point now do tell all about it cried Jill who was pining to know the whole story and felt as if she had earned the right to hear it oh it wasn't much we promised Ed to stand by Bob so I did as well as I knew how and Jack seemed to think that was about all there was to say I never saw such a fellow for keeping a promise you stick to it through thick and thin no matter how silly or hard it is you remember mother last summer how you told him not to go in a boat and he promised the day we went on the picnic we rode up but the horse ran off home so we had to come back by way of the river all but Jack and he walked every step of five miles because he wouldn't go near a boat though Mr. Burton was there to take care of him I call that rather overdoing the matter and Frank looked as if he thought moderation even in virtue a good thing and I call it a fine sample of entire obedience he obeyed orders and that is what we all must do without always seeing why or daring to use our own judgment it is a great safeguard to Jack and a very great comfort to me for I know that if he promises he will keep his word no matter what it costs him said Mama warmly as she tumbled up the curls with an irrepressible caress remembering how the boy came weirdly in after all the others without seeming for a moment to think that he could have done anything else like Casa Bianca cried Jill much impressed for obedience was her hardest trial I think he was a fool to burn up said Frank bound not to give in I don't it's a splendid piece and everyone likes to speak it and it was true and it wouldn't be in all the books if he was a fool grown people know what is good declared Jill who liked heroic actions and was always hoping for a chance to distinguish herself in that way you admire the charge of the light brigade and glow all over as you thunder it out yet they went gallantly to their death rather than disobey orders a mistake perhaps it's a thrill to hear of it and the same spirit keeps my Jack true as steel when once his word is past or he thinks it is his duty don't be laughed out of it my son for faithfulness in little things fits one for heroism when the great trials come one's conscience can hardly be too tender when honor and honesty are concerned you are right mother and I am wrong I beg your pardon Jack and you shan't get ahead of me next time Frank made his mother a little bow gave his brother a shake of the hand and nodded to Jill as if anxious to show that he was not too proud to own up when he made a mistake please tell on Jack this is very nice but I do want to know all about the other said Jill after a short pause let me see oh 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 wouldn't get any wages for some time the captain keeps him short on purpose I guess and won't let him come downtown except on Sundays he didn't want anyone to know about it for a fear he loses place so I promised I wouldn'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 wasn't I glad Jack paused to rub his hands and Frank said with more than usual respect couldn'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 Joe did I mention it I couldn'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 couldn't find him so afternoon recess was my last chance I was bound to do it and I didn'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 when I handed over that money and made him say it was all right and he wouldn'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 275 I think said Jack heartily you should have come to me began Frank and got laughed at no thank you interrupted Jack recollecting several philanthropic little enterprises which were nipped in the bud for want of cooperation to me then said his mother it would have saved so much trouble I thought of it but Bob didn't want the bigfellas to know for fear they'd be down on him so I thought he might not like me to tell grown people I don't mind the fuss now and Bob is as kind as he can be wanted to give me his big knife but I wouldn'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 everyone 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 couldn'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 won'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 won'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 End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Jack and Jill This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Mary Anderson Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott Chapter 15 Saint Lucy Saturday was a busy and 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 Jack had bravely received the day before and put away without showing to anybody There is one mistake here which we must rectify said Mr. Acton He asked out the low figures under the word behavior and put the much desired one hundred there But I did break the rules sir said Jack though his face glowed with pleasure for mama was looking on I overlooked that as I should you are breaking into my house if you saw it was on fire you ran to save a friend and I wish I could tell those fellows why you were there it would do them good but I did believe you in spite of appearances and I'm glad to have for a pupil a boy who loves his neighbor better than himself then having shaken hands heartily Mr. Acton went away and Jack flew off to have rejoicings with Jill who sat up on her sofa without knowing it so eager was she to hear all about the call in the afternoon Jack drove his mother to the captains confiding to her on the way what a hard time he had when he went before and how nothing but the thought of cheering Bob kept him up when he slipped and heard his knee and his boot sprung a leak and the wind came up very cold and the hill seemed an endless mountain of mud and snow Mrs. Minot had such a gentle way of putting things that she would have won over a much harder man than the strict old captain who had a story with interest and was much pleased with the boy's efforts to keep Bob straight that young person dodged away into the barn with Jack and only appeared at the last minute to shove a bag of chestnuts into the chase but he got a few kind words that did him good for Mrs. Minot and the captain and from that day felt himself under bonds to behave well if he would keep their confidence I shall give Jill the nuts and I wish I had something she wanted very very much for I do think she ought to be rewarded for getting me out of the mess, said Jack as they drove happily home again I hope to have something in a day or two that will delight her very much I will say no more now but keep my little secret and let it be a surprise to all by and by answered his mother looking as if she had not much doubt about the matter that will be jolly you are welcome to your secret mama I have had enough of them for one while and Jack shrugged his broad shoulders as if a burden had been taken off in the evening Ed came and Jack was quite satisfied when he saw how pleased his friend was at what he had done I never met you should take so much trouble only be kind to Bob, said Ed who did not know how strong his influence was nor what a sweet example of quiet well doing his own life was to all his mates I wish to be really useful not just talk about it and do nothing that isn't your way and I want to be like you answered Jack with such affectionate sincerity that Ed could not help believing him though he modestly declined the compliment by saying as he began to play softly better than I am I hope I don't amount to much yes you do and if anyone says you don't I'll shake him I can't tell you what it is only you always look so happy and contented sort of sweet and shiny said Jack as he stroked the smooth brown head rather at a loss to describe the unusually fresh and sunny expression of Ed's face which was always cheerful yet had a certain thoughtfulness that made it very attractive to both young and old soap makes him shiny I never saw such a fellow to wash and brush put in Frank as he came up with one of the pieces of music he and Ed were fond of practicing together I don't mean that said Jack indignantly I wash and brush till you call me a dandy but I don't have the same look it seems to come from the inside somehow as if he was always jolly and clean and good in his mind you know born so said Frank rumbling away in the base with a pair of hands that would have been the better for some of the above mentioned soap for he did not love to do much in the washing and brushing line I suppose that's it well I like it and I shall keep on trying for being loved by everyone is about the nicest thing in the world isn't it Ed? asked Jack with a gentle tweak of the ear which he knew would get no answer for Ed was so modest he could not see wherein he differed from other boys nor believe that the sunshine he saw in other faces was only the reflection from his own Sunday evening Mrs. Minnows sat by the fire planning how she should tell some good news she had been saving up all day Mrs. Peck knew it and seemed so delighted that she went about smiling as if she did not know what trouble meant and could not do enough for the family she was downstairs now seeing that the clothes were properly prepared for the wash so there was no one in the bird room but mama and the children Frank was reading up all he could find about some biblical hero mentioned in the day's sermon Jill lay where she had lain for nearly four long months and though her face was pale and thin with the confinement there was an expression on it now sweeter even than health Jack sat on the rug beside her looking at a white carnation through the magnifying glass while she was enjoying the perfume of a red one as she talked to him if you look at the white petals you'll see they sparkle like marble and go winding a long way down to the middle of the flower where it grows sort of rosy and in among the small curly leaves like fringed curtains you can see the little green fairy sitting all alone your mother showed me that and I think it is very pretty I call it a fairy but it is really where the seeds are hidden and the sweet smell comes from Jill spoke softly less she should disturb the others and as she turned to push up her pillow she saw Mrs. Minow looking at her with a smile she did not understand did you speak smiling back without in the least knowing why no dear I was listening and thinking what a pretty little story one can make out of your fairy living alone down there and only known by her perfume tell it mama it is time for our story and that would be a nice one I guess said Jack who was as fond of stories as when he sat on his mother's lap and chuckled over the hero of the beanstalk we don't have fairy tales on Sunday you know began Jill regretfully call it a parable and have a moral to it then it will be all right put in Frank as he shut his big book having found what he wanted I like stories about saints and the good and wonderful things they did said Jill who enjoyed the wise and interesting bits Mrs. Minow often found for her in grown-up books for Jill had thoughtful times and asked questions which showed that she was growing fast in mind if not in body this is a true story but I will disguise it a little and call it the miracle of St. Lucy began Mrs. Minow seeing a way to tell her good news and amuse the children likewise Frank retired to the easy chair that he might sleep if the tale should prove too childish for him Jill settled herself among her cushions and Jack lay flat upon the rug with his feet up so that he could admire his red slippers and rest his knee which ached once upon a time there was a queen who had two princes wasn't there a princess asked Jack interested at once no and it was a great sorrow to the queen that she had no little daughter for the sons were growing up and she was often very lonely like Snowdrop's mother whispered Jill now don't keep interrupting children or we never shall get on said Frank more anxious to hear about the boys that were than the girl that was not one day when the princes were out we'll say hunting they found a little damsel lying on the snow half dead with cold they thought she was the child of a poor woman who lived in the forest a wild little thing was dancing and singing about as hard to catch as a squirrel and so fearless she would climb the highest trees leap broad brooks or jump off the steep rocks to show her courage the boys carried her home to the palace and the queen was glad to have her she had fallen and hurt herself so she lay in bed week after week with her mother to take care of her that's you whisper Jack throwing the white carnation at Jill and she threw back the red one with her finger on her lips for the tail was very interesting now she did not suffer much after a time but she scolded and cried and could not be resigned because she was a prisoner the queen tried to help her but she could not do much the princes were kind but they had their books and plays and were away a good deal some friends she had came often to see her but still she beat her wings against the bars like a wild bird in a cage and soon her spirits were all gone and it was sad to see her where was your saint Lucy I thought it was about her asked Jack who did not like to have Jill's past troubles dwelt upon since his were not she is coming saints are not born they are made after many trials and tribulations answered his mother looking at the fire as if it helped her to spin her little story well the poor child used to sing sometimes to while away the long hours sad songs mostly and one among them which the queen thought her was sweet patients come this she used to sing a great deal after a while never dreaming that patients was an angel who could hear and obey but it was so and one night when the girl had lulled herself to sleep with that song the angel came nobody saw the lovely spirit with tender eyes and a voice that was like balm no one heard the rustle of wings as she hovered over the little bed and touched the lips the eyes the hands of the sleeper and then flew away leaving three gifts behind the girl did not know why but after that night the songs grew gayer there seemed to be more sunshine everywhere her eyes looked and her hands were never tired of helping others in various pretty useful or pleasant ways slowly the wild bird ceased to beat against the bars but sat in his cage and made music for all in the palace till the queen could not do without it the poor mother cheered up and the princess called the girl their nightingale she thought the miracle asked Jack forgetting all about his slippers as he watched Jill's eyes brighten and the color come up in her white cheeks that was the miracle and patience can work far greater ones if you will let her and the girl's name was Lucy yes they did not call her a saint then but she was trying to be as cheerful as a certain good woman she had heard of and so the queen had that name for her and not let her know it for a long time that's not bad for a Sunday story but there might have been more about the princess seems to me was Frank's criticism as Jill lay very still trying to hide her face behind the carnation for she had no words to tell how touched and pleased she was to find that her little efforts to be good had been seen remembered and now rewarded in this way there is more then the story isn't done cried Jack oh dear no the most interesting things are to come if you can wait for them yes I see this is the moral part now keep still and let us have the rest commanded Frank while the others composed themselves for the sequel suspecting that it was rather nice because mama's sobered face changed and her eyes laughed as they looked at the fire the elder prince was very fond of driving dragons for the people of that country used these fiery monsters as horses and got run away with didn't he laugh Jack adding with great interest what did the other fellow do he went about fighting other people's battles helping the poor and trying to do good but he lacked judgment so he often got into trouble and was in such a hurry that he did not always stop to find out what he wanted to say as when he gave away his best coat to a beggar boy instead of the old one which he intended to give I say that isn't fair mother neither of them was new and the boy needed the best more than I did and I wore the old one all winter didn't I asked Jack who had rather exalted over Frank and was now taken down himself yes you did my dear and it was not an easy thing for my dandy prat to do I'll tell you how they both learned to be wiser the elder prince soon found that the big dragons were too much for him and said about training his own little one who now and then ran away with him its name was Will a good servant but a bad master so he learned to control it and in time this gave him great power over himself and fitted him to be a king over others thank you mother I'll remember my part of the moral now give Jack his said Frank who liked the dragon episode as he had been wrestling with his own of late and found it hard to manage he had a fine example before him and a friend and he followed it more reasonably till he grew able to use wisely one of the best and noblest gifts of God benevolence now tell about the girl was there more to that part of the story asked Jack well pleased with his moral and took Ed in likewise that is the best of all but it seems as if I should never get to it after patience made Lucy sweet and cheerful she began to have a curious power over those about her and to work little miracles herself though she did not know it the queen learned to love her so dearly that she could not let her go she cheered up all her friends when they came with their small troubles the princes found bright eyes willing hands and a kind heart always at their service and felt without quite knowing why that it was good for them to have a gentle little creature to care for so they softened their rough manners loud voices in careless ways for her sake and when it was proposed to take her away to her own home they could not give her up but said she must stay longer didn't they I'd like to see them saying anything else said Frank while Jack sat up to demand fiercely who talks about taking Jill away Lucy's mother thought she ought to go and said so but the queen told her how much good it did them all to have her there and begged the dear woman to let her little cottage and come and be housekeeper in the palace for the queen was getting lazy and liked to sit and read and talk and so with Lucy and she said she would cry Jill clasping her hands and her anxiety for she had learned to love her cage now yes Mrs. Minot had no time to say more for one of the red slippers flew in the air and Jack had to clap both hands over his mouth to suppress the hurrah that nearly escaped Frank said that's good and nodded with his most cordial smile at Jill who pulled herself up with cheeks now as rosy as the red carnation and a little catch in her breath as she said to herself it's too lovely to be true that's a first straight end to a very good story began Jack with a grave decision as he put on his slipper and sat up to Pat Jill's hand wishing it was not quite so like a little claw that's not the end and Mama's eyes laughed more than ever as three astonished faces turned to her and three voices cried out still more the very best of all you must know that while Lucy was busy for others she was not forgotten and when she was expecting to lie on her bed through the summer plans were being made for all sorts of pleasant changes first of all she was to have a nice little brace to support the back which was growing better every day then as the warm weather came on she was to go out or lie on the Piazza and by and by when school was done she was to go with the queen and the princes for a month or two down to the seaside where fresh air and salt water were to build her up in the most delightful way there now isn't that the best ending of all and Mama paused to read her answer in the bright faces of two of the listeners for Jill hid hers in the pillow and lay quite still as if it was too much for her that will be regularly splendid I'll roll you all about boating is so much easier than riding and I like it on salt water said Frank going to sit on the arm of the sofa quite excited by the charms of the new plan and I'll teach you to swim and roll you over the beach and get seaweed and shells and no end of nice things and we'll all come home as strong as lions at a jack scrambling up as if about to set off at once the doctor says you've been doing finally of late and the brace will come tomorrow and the first really mild day you were to have a breath of fresh air won't that be good? asked Mrs. Minot hoping her story had not been too interesting is she crying? said Jack much concerned as he padded the pillow in his most soothing way while Frank lifted one curl after another to see what was hidden underneath not tears for two eyes sparkled behind the fingers then the hands came down like clouds from before the sun and Jill's face shone out so bright and happy it did once heart good to see it I'm not crying she said with a laugh which was fuller of blithe music than any song she sung but it was so splendid it sort of took my breath away for a minute I thought I wasn't any better and never should be and I made up my mind I wouldn't ask it would be so hard for anyone to tell me so now I see why the doctor made me stand up and told me to get my baskets ready to go amaing I thought he was in fun did he really mean I could go? asked Jill expecting too much for a word of encouragement made her as hopeful as she had been despondent before no dear, not so good as that it will be months perhaps before you can walk and run as you used to but they will soon pass you'd needn't mind about May Day it is always too cold for flowers and you will find more here among your own plants than on the hills to fill your baskets answered Mrs. Minot hastening to suggest something pleasant to beguile the time of probation I can wait months are not years and if I'm truly getting well everything will seem beautiful and easy to me said Jill laying herself down again with the patient look she had learned to wear and gathering up the scattered carnations to enjoy their spicy breath as if the fairies hidden there had taught her some of their sweet secrets dear little girl it has been a long hard trial for you but it is coming to an end and I think you will find that it has not been time wasted I don't want you to be a saint quite yet but I am sure a gentler Jill will rise up from that sofa than the one who laid down there in December how could I help growing better when you are so good to me cried Jill putting up both arms as Mrs. Minot went to take Frank's place and he retired to the fire there to stand surveying the scene with calm approval you have done quite as much for us so we are even I prove that to your mother and she is going to let the little house and take care of the big one for me while I borrow you to keep me happy and make the boys gentle and kind that is the bargain and we get the best of it said Mrs. Minot looking well pleased while Jack added that so and Frank observed with an air of conviction we couldn't get on without Jill possibly can I do all that? I didn't know I was of any use I only tried to be good and grateful for there didn't seem to be anything else I could do said Jill wondering why they were all so fond of her no real trying is ever in vain it is like the spring rain and flowers are sure to follow in good time the three gifts patients gave St. Lucy were courage, cheerfulness and love and with these one can work the sweetest miracles in the world as you see and Mrs. Minot pointed to the pretty room and its happy inmates am I really the least bit like that good Lucinda? I tried to be but I didn't think I was asked Jill softly you are very like her in all ways but one she did not get well and you will satisfy Jill to her heart's core and that night when she lay in bed she thought to herself how curious it is that I've been a sort of missionary without knowing it they all love and thank me and won't let me go so I suppose I must have done something but I don't know what except trying to be good and pleasant that was the secret and Jill found it out just when it was most grateful as a reward for her efforts most helpful as an encouragement toward the constant well-doing which can make even a little girl a joy and comfort to all who know and love her End of Chapter 15