Harry officiated as cook, and set about his duties in a manner that showed he was not a novice, while the other lads looked on with great interest, telling stories and cracking jokes.
Merriwell offered to bet Robinson that woman was created before man, but Bandy was shy, scenting a sell. However, Frank kept at him, finally offering to let Robinson himself decide. At length Robinson "bit," and a small wager was made.
"Now," cried Bandy, "go ahead and prove that woman was made before man. You can't do it."
"That's dead easy," smiled Frank. "I know you will readily acknowledge that Eve was the first maid."
"No, I'll be hanged if—"
Then Robinson stopped short, for he saw the point, and the others were laughing heartily and applauding.
"The first maid!" he muttered. "Oh, thunder! What a soft thing I am! You have won, Merriwell."
The turkey began to give out a most delicious odor, and the boys snuffed the air with the keenest delight. How hungry they were! How jolly everything seemed! There was not one of the party who did not feel very grateful to think he was living that night.
At last the turkey was done. Harry pronounced it done, and it was certainly browned and basted in beautiful style. It was a monster, but there would be none too much for that famished crowd.
Frank and Blossom assisted Harry in serving. There were not enough plates for all, but that did not matter. They managed to get along all right. Some were forced to drink their beer out of the bottle, but nobody murmured.