JACK SHORT. 
169 
“ And it won’t hinder our doing any 
thing else we can for you,” returned Bich- 
ard. “But I don’t believe you will care so 
much for such things when you get well 
again: at least, I hope not.” 
“So do I,” said Jack. “I feel as if I 
had had a kind of warning, some way. I 
hope I shall be able to go to school next 
winter,” he continued, after a little pause. 
“Father says I may and welcome; but I 
am so much behind the other hoys I should 
feel kind of ashamed.” 
“You might go on learning while you 
are laid up,” remarked Sidney. 
“I can’t study, nor do much anyway,” 
said Jack, sighing. “My head gets to 
aching very soon. But I can read a little, 
and perhaps I may study as I get better. 
I would try, anyway, if I had anybody to 
help me.” 
“ I will help you,” said Bichard; “that is, 
if grandfather is willing; and I am sure he 
won’t object. And we will lend you any 
of our books.” 
“ You are very kind, I am sure,” replied 
the sick hoy, in rather an embarrassed man- 
15 
