`` Stop that , Captain ! You need n't talk about invalids , when you know mother says you are not to look at a book for a month because you have studied yourself thin and headachy . I 'm all right ; '' and Jack gave himself a sounding slap on the chest , where shone the white star of the H.B.B.C. `` Hear the little cockerel crow ! you just wait till you get into the college class , and see if you do n't have to study like fun , '' said Gus , with unruffled composure , for he was going to Harvard next year , and felt himself already a Senior . `` Never shall ; I do n't want any of your old colleges . I 'm going into business as soon as I can . Ed says I may be his book-keeper , if I am ready when he starts for himself . That is much jollier than grinding away for four years , and then having to grind ever so many more at a profession , '' said Jack , examining with interest the various knocks and bruises with which much ball-playing had adorned his hands . `` Much you know about it . Just as well you do n't mean to try , for it would take a mighty long pull and strong pull to get you in . Business would suit you better , and you and Ed would make a capital partnership . Devlin , Minot , & Co. sounds well , hey , Gus ? '' `` Very , but they are such good-natured chaps , they 'd never get rich . By the way , Ed came home at noon to-day sick . I met him , and he looked regularly knocked up , '' answered Gus , in a sober tone . `` I told him he 'd better not go down Monday , for he was n't well Saturday , and could n't come to sing Sunday evening , you remember . I must go right round and see what the matter is ; '' and Jack jumped up , with an anxious face . `` Let him alone till to-morrow . He wo n't want any one fussing over him now . We are going for a pull ; come along and steer , '' said Frank , for the sunset promised to be fine , and the boys liked a brisk row in their newly painted boat , the `` Rhodora . ''
`` Go ahead and XXXXX ready , I 'll just cut round and ask at the door .
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