“It is. I guess the company have arrived and are waiting for a welcome,” added Fiji.
At that, the Guide turned and the Band trailed after her to the camp-site where they found the doctor impolitely prying into the state of the larder, and two ladies with two children laughing at his remarks when he discovered the fragrant chowder.
“Oh, there’s Edith and Baby!” cried Elizabeth, running to greet her mother and the children.
Having saluted the Woodcrafters with great ceremony, the doctor said: “Some people have been busy this morning, judging from preparations for dinner.”
“We just had to dig to provide enough for you—when we heard you had invited yourself to dinner with us,” retorted Zan, who always enjoyed a wordy combat with her father.
“Well, I must confess, I brought my normal appetite with me, so it will be fortunate if the others have anything to eat,” replied Dr. Baker.
“If you admit your appetite is normal now, what will it be after you have had a dip in the briny?” laughed Fiji.
“To insure ourselves against emergencies I had Moses pack some of his unexcelled southern cake and pies,” answered Mrs. Remington, pointing to a huge hamper that had escaped notice.
“Oh, we know Mose!” laughed Fred, running over to investigate.
“Gee! Looka-here boys!” called Billy, as one goody after another was lifted up and displayed to the circle of gourmands.