“Bread pudding is healthy, I’ve heard,” ventured Trixie to be polite to her hostess.
“So are all nasty things to eat!” retorted Billy.
“We might give Trixie our portions, Billy,” suggested Elizabeth, as she asked to be excused.
“Well, if no one wants this pudding I fear Mose will have to eat it all by himself,” said Mrs. Remington, laughingly.
“Serve you right, Mose, you know how we hate bread-pudding,” added Fred.
Mose stood behind his mistress’ chair grinning but now he replied to Fred’s remark.
“Wha’fo’ yo’ all diden’ have dat flag down!”
Every one laughed but Billy, who had gone out by the pantry. Before the laughter had ceased however, he pushed in past the swinging door and carried aloft a great blueberry pie.
Fred caught the dish from his brother and balanced it upon his palms in imitation of a Japanese juggler.
“Friends and fellow Islanders! We have routed the miser who guarded this treasure and now we place this life-saving device before you all to help you recover from the recent fatal disappointment. The question now before the house is, ‘To be or not to be!’”