I am not going to praise you, John, but I did believe you in spite of appearances, and I am 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 Captain's, 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 hurt 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 heard the story with interest, and was much pleased with the boys' 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 chaise.

But he got a few kind words that did him good, from 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, Mamma.