"I don't mean to have much to do with him though," Bob said decidedly; "I can't—after what's gone by. To-day he seemed as though he wanted to be friendly, but—oh, I couldn't have Tom Smith for a friend!"
[CHAPTER X]
STRAY TO THE RESCUE
"BOBBIE," said Jackie, "I wonder if Mrs. Winter will ask us to tea to-day?"
"I don't know," his brother answered; "I don't expect so."
It was Sunday afternoon, and the boys were returning from Sunday school. They had not been invited to take tea with Mrs. Winter for several weeks. At first Bob had been puzzled to know the reason, but he was beginning to fear that it was because their kind old friend was not in the position to entertain guests. He knew that food had become very expensive, and suspected Mrs. Winter had all she could do to provide necessaries for herself.
"Don't you think she wants to have us?" Jackie inquired wistfully.
"Oh, yes!" Bob assured him, adding quickly, "Don't speak about it to her, Jackie, whatever you do!"
"Why not?" questioned Jackie.
"It might hurt her," Bob replied, sighing.