When Clinton arose from the dinner-table, it was time to start for school. He had not proceeded far before he overtook Jerry, who was loitering along, in expectation of his approach.
“I’ll take that note now,” said Jerry, stretching out his hand to Clinton, as the latter came up with him.
“I don’t know about that,” said Clinton; “I’ve been thinking it all over, and have about come to the conclusion that I can’t agree to your proposal. But haven’t you thought of some other way to get out of the scrape?”
“No,” replied Jerry, “there is no other way; but you have written the note, haven’t you?” he added, with some appearance of alarm.
“I have written something,” replied Clinton, “just to see how it would seem; but I rather guess I shan’t let you have it.”
“Let me look at it, then, wont you?”
“I guess so!” said Clinton, with a laugh.
“But I’m in earnest,” added Jerry, “just let me look at it, and I can tell in a minute whether it will answer. Perhaps it wont do, and then I shan’t want it, at any rate. Come, let me see it, and if you don’t want me to keep it, I wont.”
Clinton took the excuse from his pocket, and allowed Jerry to look at it. It read as follows;—
“Mr. Eaton will please excuse Jerry for absence from school, yesterday, as he was needed at home.