"Gee! Bill, we oughta find it if we get Harry to help, but I can't see how I'm goin' to get away," said Maurice ruefully.
Just here a step sounded on the gravel outside and a knock fell on the door. Maurice opened the door and in stepped Anson.
He glanced suspiciously from one to the other of the boys, then said: "Ma sent me to see what happened to you, Bill. She says come on home to your supper."
"Had my supper," Billy informed him. "You go on back and tell Ma that."
"You've gotta come, too."
"No, Anse, I promised Missus Keeler that me an' Maurice would keep fire under that preservin' kettle till she gits back from the store. I need the ten cents to buy fish hooks with, besides—'
"Gee! Bill, is she goin' to give you ten cents fer helpin' Maurice keep fire on?" asked Anson eagerly.
"Well, she didn't 'zactly promise she would, but—"
"Say, fellers, let me stay with you an' we'll split three ways, eh?" suggested Anson.
"No," said Billy, with finality.