He may do better hereafter, and if he does, if he shows a genuine disposition to atone for his misconduct by good behavior in the future, I want nobody to tell of what has occurred here, after we get back to our friends.

I ask that now of you boys as a favor, and I shall think nobody my friend who will not join me in this effort to make a man out of our companion.

I am ready to forgive him freely, and the quarrel has been mine from the first.

You can certainly afford to hold your tongues at my request, if Jake tries to do better hereafter.

I want your promise to that effect." The boys required some urging before they would promise, but their admiration for Sam's magnanimity was too great for them to persist in refusing anything that he asked of them.