“Besides,” Nelson resumed, “we’ve got something to tell you. I guess we might as well tell it now.”
So, clinging to the seat to keep from being shaken off, he told Jerry of the arrangements they had made for his future, and finally of Mr. Cozzens’s offer of a situation at St. Alfred’s. And when it was all over, and Tom and Bob and Dan had each added eager and unnecessary explanations, Jerry still sat silent, his eyes fixed on the ears of the off horse. They waited a moment. Then,
“Look here, Jerry, it’s all right, isn’t it?” asked Dan anxiously. Jerry nodded.
“Good,” breathed Dan relievedly. “I was afraid you—er——”
“I ain’t said nothing—I mean anything—because I don’t know what to say,” Jerry finally remarked, with a quick, embarrassed glance at Nelson. “I—I——”
He faltered and stopped.
“Don’t say a word,” returned Nelson. “It’s all right.”
“But I want you all to know that—that I’m very much obliged. It—it’s more than that, only I can’t just say it. I—I don’t know why you fellows have been so good to me.”
Bob laughed uneasily.
“You’re such a good fellow, Jerry, we wanted to help you,” he said. “We haven’t done anything much, though; the hardest part is left for you, old chap. But I think you’re going to make good, Jerry; we all think that; so don’t you disappoint us.”