place. This would
be gratifying, though just at present, and till the beginning of the
next month, he would be distressed for ready money.

"Well, that's a stunner!" he said. "How do you feel about it? Shall you
stay in school?"

"No; I can't afford it. I must get to work."

"Isn't there anything left--not a cent?"

"There may be a few dollars."

"And then," said Bundy with a sudden thought, "there is this casket of
jewelry. You can sell it for a good deal of money."

"I don't mean to sell it."

"Then you're a fool; that's all I've got to say."

"I don't suppose you will understand my feeling in the matter, but these
articles belonged to my mother. They are all I have to remind me of her.
I do not mean to sell them unless it is absolutely necessary."

"I would sell them quicker'n a wink," said Bundy. "What's the good of
keeping them?"

"We won't discuss the matter," said Rodney coldly.

"Do you mind my telling the other boys about your losing your money?"

"No; it will be known tomorrow at any rate; there is no advantage in
concealing it."

A heavy step was heard outside. It stopped before the door.

"I must be getting," said Bundy, "or I'll get into trouble."

It was against the rule at the school for boys to make calls upon each
other in the evening unless permission were given.

John Bundy opened the door suddenly, and to his dismay found himself
facing the rigid figure of Dr. Sampson, the principal.

"How do you happen to be here, Bundy?" asked the doctor sternly.

"Please, sir, I was sympathizing with Ropes on his losing his money,"
said Bundy with ready wit.

"Very well! I will excuse you this time."

"I'm awful sorry for you, Ropes," said Bundy effusively.

"Thank you," responded Rodney.

"You can go now," said the principal. "I have a little business with
Master Ropes."

"All right, sir. Good night."

"Good night."

"Won't you sit down, Dr. Sampson?" said Rodney politely, and he took the
casket from the chair.

"Yes, I wish to have five minutes' conversation with you. So these are
the jewels, are they?"

"Yes, sir."

"They seem to be quite valuable," went on the doctor, lifting the pearl
necklace and poising it in his fingers. "It will be well for you to have
them appraised by a jeweler."

"It would, sir, if I wished to sell them, but I mean to keep them as
they are."

"I would hardly advise it. You will need the money. Probably you do not
know how near penniless you are.