“Oh, Mose, you needn’t to have taken this trouble—we’re just going to live a simple life while mother’s away,” said Billy.
“Yes, you see, Mose, we’re now serving our toasted bread and baked potatoes. Sit down and have some with us?” urged Paul.
Mose eyed the charred bread and half-cooked potatoes and winked at the Captain. “Ah don’ b’lieve Ah will pa’take ov dis munifercence to-day! But, t’ank yo’ all d’ same!”
The Captain felt very grateful for Mose for his additions to the menu, so he added, “Oh, do sit down and be friendly, Mose.”
“Yes, Mose, I’m just cookin’ the cunners! They’re fine!” added Fred.
“Well, seein’ ez Ah fetched a bit from m’ own domain, Ah don’t min’ ef Ah tas’ some cunners!” sighed Mose, who was fond of this fish.
As Fred served him a delicious slab of the broiled fish Mose remarked, “Does tas’ kinder good t’ eat some odder chef’s cookin’. No t’anks, Billy, Ah don’ guess Ah’ll have any pertates.”
The boys each took a potato and did their best to enjoy them but it was not to be! The potatoes were more than half raw.
“Lemme tell you-all,” said Mose, after the potatoes had been replaced on the fire, “taters take a heap o’ cookin’. Speshully when dey’se big and not cut up.”
“Bring them here, boys, and I’ll show you what to do with them,” offered Fred, taking the frying pan and dropping a chunk of butter in it.