Part 26 (1/2)

”There are some dried apricots and a package of rice,” said Werner.

”They ought to help out for a New Year's dinner.”

”Very well, we'll cook what we need for the meal, Werner,” said Gif briefly, ”and the rest you can take with you.”

Gif and Spouter made a small rice pudding, and also stewed some of the apricots. All told, the New Year's dinner proved to be quite a bountiful affair, and after all of the lads had eaten their fill, it must be confessed that everybody felt in better humor. The plum pudding especially came in for a large share of their attention, as well as did the nuts and the small amount of raisins which followed.

”I think we'll go and take a nap,” announced Werner presently. ”I didn't get very much sleep last night.”

”And I'll do the same,” added Glutts.

”What about was.h.i.+ng those dishes?” remarked Fred, with a significant look at the two bullies.

”That's right, Glutts and Werner!” cried Jack. ”You ought to be willing to do your share of the dish-was.h.i.+ng.”

”Me wash dishes!” roared Bill Glutts. ”I never did anything like that in my life!”

”You washed your own dishes at the encampment,” answered Spouter sharply.

”Oh, well, that was different.”

”Oh, don't gas,” grumbled Werner. ”We'll wash our own dishes, anyway,”

and he went to work without another word, although with very bad grace, and presently Glutts followed him.

Gif and the other boys also took hold, so the dish-was.h.i.+ng and the pot cleaning did not take very long.

The majority of the boys felt sleepy, so the rest of the day was spent in taking it easy or in reading. Then, toward night, they had a light supper, and Fred and the twins started to make some home-made candy.

By this time the storm had cleared away; no more snow was coming down and the wind had also ceased. Overhead the stars glittered like so many diamonds.

”It will be a great day to-morrow,” announced Gif.

”Perhaps we can get out and get on the track of a deer!” cried Fred.

”Say, Fred, you must think the deer in this vicinity are standing around just waiting to be shot,” came from Jack, with a smile.

”I don't care, Jack. I'm going to get a crack at something worth while before I go home,” announced the youngest Rover.

Declining to partake of the taffy and the nut candy the twins and Fred had made, Glutts and Werner retired early.

”We'll be going in the morning if the storm will permit it,” said Werner to Gif. And then he added curtly: ”Much obliged for taking us in.”

”Don't mention it, Werner,” answered Gif, just as briefly.

”Remember, we'll pay you if you'll tell us how much it is,” added Glutts.

”You can't pay me anything, Glutts.”

”Just as you say.”

Then the door to the bedroom was closed as before, and Gif and his chums were left to themselves.