“I’ve been anticipating this,” explained Clay, “and am in a measure prepared for it.”
Alex’s face brightened instantly at the thought of something to eat. Clay turned to Case with a smile.
“Give me a slice of that cold shoulder you’ve been turning on every suggestion made this morning,” he said.
Alex shouted and Jule joined in the demonstration until early risers who were passing paused to inspect the party.
“Never again!” said Case, joining in the laughter. “From now on I’ll be the first one to roar at a desperate situation. What an ass a fellow is to be always growling!”
“That’s what we all think,” said Alex.
No more was said on the subject, and for a time Case really did better.
“We are attracting considerable attention here,” Jule remarked, glancing about at the little crowd which had already assembled. “Perhaps we would better select some less conspicuous place for our deliberations.”
“Is there anything to eat there?” Alex asked, with a wrinkle in his nose which made his face look very comical. “My stomach feels like the Mammoth Cave.”
Before the boys could put their plan into execution and seek a more secluded place in which to find a way out of their trouble Alex caught Clay by the arm and pointed up the street.