Exclamations of indignation arose on all sides.

"He needs another lesson, boys!"

"Say the word, William, and we're with you. Guess I might think up a few
ways for you to get even with the old skinflint!"

Paul saw that they were rapidly being swayed by their feelings of natural
resentment. He had no particular reason for liking Peleg Growdy any more
than the balance of the group; but the lesson of returning good for evil
had taken full possession of his soul.

Once he would have been only too ready to join in with his chums in
redressing what seemed to be a positive wrong; but somehow it was
different now.

Before he could speak, however, Jack had elbowed his way into the midst
of the excited lads, his face full of determination.

"Wait a bit, you fellows, before you decide what you're going to do.
I want to tell you something that ought to interest you."

"All right, Jack; speak up. Any objection to joining in with us and
having a little fun while we help a brother even up his score?" demanded
a voice.

Then Jack repeated as well as he was able the conversation that had taken
place at the breakfast table in his house. He went even further than
this, for it happened that he knew something about the old man's past.