. Shaw appeared
during the whole time of his visit: a thing which was rather odd, but
which the boys were very glad of. When Mr. Tooke had told them a little
of some new boys expected after the holidays, he said:

"Well, now, Holt, let us see what can be done about your affairs."

Holt looked uneasy; for it seemed as if Mr. Tooke was not going to lend
him the money,--or to give it, which was what he had hoped, while using
the word "lend."

"I am glad you asked me," continued Mr. Tooke; "for people, whether they
be men or boys, can usually retrieve their affairs when they have
resolution to face their difficulties. There is no occasion to say
anything about how you got into debt. We must consider how you are to
get out of it."

"That is very kind indeed!" exclaimed Holt.

"As to my lending you half-a-crown," continued Mr. Tooke, "that would
not be helping you out of debt; for if you had had any prospect of being
able to pay half-a-crown, you would not have needed to apply to me at
all."

Holt sighed. Mr. Tooke went on.

"I cannot give you the money. I have less to give away than I should
like to have, for the sake of the poor people round us. I cannot pay for
a bet and school-fines while the children of our neighbours want clothes
and fire."

"No, sir, certainly," said both the boys.

"What do people do, all the world over, when they want money?" asked Mr.
Tooke. Holt looked puzzled. Hugh smiled. Holt was hesitating whether to
guess that they put into the lottery, or dig for treasure, or borrow
from their friends, or what. Having always till lately lived in India,
where Europeans are rather lazy, and life altogether is very languid, he
did not see, as Hugh did, what Mr. Tooke could mean.

"When men come begging to our doors," said Mr. Tooke, "what is the first
question we ask them?"

Holt still look puzzled, and Hugh laughed, saying,

"Why, Holt, you must know very well. We ask them whether they cannot get
work."

"Work!" cried Holt.

"Yes," said Mr. Tooke. "The fathers and uncles of both of you work for
what money they have; and so do I; and so does every man among our
neighbours who is satisfied with his condition. As far as I see, you
must get the money you want in the same way."

"Work!" exclaimed Holt again.

"How is he to get work?" asked Hugh.

"That is where I hope to assist him," replied Mr. Tooke. "Are you
willing to earn your half-crown, Holt?"

"I don't know how, sir."

"Widow Murra