“And what’s that little package you have there?” asked Paul.
“Wouldn’t you like to know, though?” was the retort.
“A nickel to a penny it’s a box of candy,” said Jack.
But William was not to be bluffed. “Seems to me,” he remarked dryly, “that you fellows are not carrying flowers in your packages.”
He had guessed right, and the three of them joined in laughing heartily. But just then another boy came up to them. He had approached quietly and had been a witness to the previous scene. “Well, well,” exclaimed Wallace, “are you fellows holding a meeting here tonight or are you just congregating here to be a nuisance? Answer yes or no and don’t be flippant about it either.”
The three boys stared at the new arrival. Jack cried in irritation, “This has gone about far enough. Arline told me that she was inviting only me tonight. What are you guys doing here?”
Wallace held up his package majestically. “Now, Jack, don’t get excited.” He poked a finger at his friend. “She told me the same thing,” he assured the doubter.
“Same here,” echoed Paul.
“And me, too,” added William.
“And who else?” demanded Jack.