"Friends," said Mrs. Merryweather, "the day is before us. What is the plan of action?"
"I go a-fishing," said Roger; "and with me Willy, to take his first lesson in bass-fishing."
"I tinker the wharf," said Phil; "and with me Obadiah, to take his first lesson in useful occupation."
"Verily and in good sooth," put in Gerald, "the most useful occupation I can think of, my peripatetic food-absorber, would be to heave thee into the glassy deep."
"Like to see you try it!" said Ferguson.
"Anything to oblige!" replied Obadiah, rising with, alacrity.
"Don't booby, boys!" said Roger, with quiet authority. "Let other people have a chance to speak."
"Hilda and I will make a pie!" said Bell; "'which is werse,' said
Mr. Peggotty, 'though sich were not my intentions.'"
"And I have gingerbread to make, and raspberries to pick," said
Gertrude, "so Kitty must help me."
"But what do I see?" cried Gerald, in tragic tones. "A vessel in the offing, headed in this direction. Now who do you suppose has the cheek to come here?"