"I went there twice," remarked Ted from his basket, "but the girl said he had told her not to let any one see him but you and Bob. He was such a jolly lad that I just want to see him again. Has he changed any, Miss Bessie?"
"Very little, Ted," answered Bess. "Now, if you will get up long enough to let me have a stick for the fire, then I propose we have some games while you stay. What shall it be?"
Dumb crambo carried the day, and Bess, Ted, and Rob were chosen as actors. In the midst of an elaborate dental scene, where Rob extracted a tooth with the tongs, and filled another with hammer and chisel, the clock struck nine, and Sam started up.
"I must go home," he said reluctantly.
"Must you go, Sam?" asked Bess, and Ted added,—
"Oh, stay just ten minutes more. We'll be through this word then."
"I'd like to," said Sam wistfully, "but I told father I'd leave at nine. You boys can stay if you want to, but I must go."
"I am sorry you have to leave us, Sam," said Bess; "but you are right, if you promised your father. Are you all going?" For the others had trooped to the door.
"I must," said Bert, and the others joined him.
There was a great sorting-out of overcoats and hats, and Phil's feet were with difficulty stowed away in his rubber boots.