Part 17 (1/2)
”Leave the club!”
”We are going to move Down East.”
”That's too bad!”
All the boys gathered round Little Paul, and there was a troubled look upon their countenances.
”We cannot stay here any longer,” continued the poor boy, as he dashed a tear from his eye.
It was evident to all that some misfortune had overtaken the Munroe family, and Little Paul's sorrows excited the deepest interest and sympathy.
Without any solicitation on the part of his companions, the little fellow told them the story of his father's trials, and the reason why he was compelled to leave Rippleton.
”When is the money due, Paul?” asked Tony.
”On the first of May. My father has no money end he cannot pay the note.”
”How much did you say it was?”
”Five hundred dollars. It is a great sum for us.”
”My father says 'Squire Chase is not any better than he ought to be,”
added d.i.c.k Chester, who had returned with Little Paul.
”He is a very hard man,” replied Paul. ”But I must go home again. I shall see you before I leave town;” and the poor fellow turned away to hide his tears.
”Poor Little Paul!” said Tony, when he had gone.
”How I pity him!” added Henry Brown.
”So do I,” reiterated Joseph Hooper.
”How much do you pity him, fellows?” asked Tony, seating himself in his arm-chair.
”So much that we would help him if we could,” answered Henry.
”You can help him.”
A deep silence ensued.
”Have you the nerve to make a great sacrifice, b.u.t.terflies?” exclaimed Tony with energy.
”We have.”
”I move you, Mr. Chairman, that our four hundred dollars be applied to the relief of Little Paul's father,” said Henry Brown, catching Tony's idea.
”Second the motion,” added d.i.c.k Chester, promptly.