The half, however, seemed as impossible as the whole. Osmond had
three shillings, Martin two, Hal fourpence! What was to be done?
And the boys declared that if it should come to their father's
knowledge, Hal, who had given up their names, should certainly not be
shielded by them. In fact, he, who had done the deed, was the only
one who ought to pay.
The sound of the servants' dinner-bell at the Park broke up the
consultation; the boys must not be missed at luncheon; and they
therefore separated, agreeing to meet at that same place at four
o'clock, to hear the result of Hal's negotiation with the farmer; for
neither of the Grevilles would hear of helping him to face the enemy.
Poor Hal plodded home disconsolately. Once he thought of telling
Sam, and asking his help; but Sam would be so much shocked at such a
scrape at such a time, as possibly to lick him for it before helping
him. Indeed Hal did not see much chance of Sam being able to do
anything for them; and he had too often boasted over his elder
brother to like to abase himself by such a confession--when, too, it
would almost be owning how much better it would have been to have
followed Sam's advice and have gone safely to church.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186