"I guess that'll do," drawled Tom. "Sorry we didn't think to fetch something ourselves."
"Oh, this is my treat," replied Nat.
"It was I who thought about the lunch," Roger reminded him.
"That's right, kid, you did. But then, you are always hungry, which may, in a measure, account for your wonderful forethought."
The blazing fire had by this time warmed the place comfortably, and it was jolly, indeed, to prepare the meal over the strong embers of good solid oak.
An old grate had been found about the place, and upon this the sliced bacon was spread, while the potatoes were dropped directly into the embers. Norah had thought of everything, even paper napkins and picnic knives and forks. There was, too, a bottle of olives and some cold ham in the very bottom of the basket.
"What's to drink?" asked Ned, his tone implying that anything to drink had been forgotten.
"Oh, the jug of coffee!" exclaimed Joe. "That's in the car. I'll run and fetch it."
The jug of coffee had been placed in a deep, enameled pan, which was to serve as coffee-pot in the warming process.
"Well, I say!" exclaimed Roland. "Think I'll change quarters. I would like first rate to meet your Norah."