While the boys were thus engaged in the delightful task of keeping off starvation, the girls were anxious to hear what was the proposition Cora had offered to lay before them.
“That’s just the way,” grumbled Belle; “we never can get at the interesting things!”
“I am going to tell the boys this minute,” threatened Marita. “We notice, Belle, that you brought out that lemon pie that was hidden. Looks as if you found the boys rather interesting.”
“Now you know exactly what I mean,” insisted Belle. “Cora said we had to have a chaperone and we all agreed. Instead, we have a crowd of noisy boys.”
“When you boys have finished,” Cora remarked, “we would like to clear up the debris. Also, we have a sad announcement to make. We have lost our housekeeper!”
“Good!” almost shouted Ed. “I apply at once. I can give every qualification, even to a civil service examination. Cora, I never tasted such food before——”
“Mutiny!” yelled Jack, making a spring at Ed, which ended in such a mixup that the girls fled to the kitchen.
“We really cannot stay alone here to-night,” Cora said.
But the boys had come to their feet again, and evidently to terms. Jack was hugging Walter and Dray was smoothing Ed’s black hair.
“Will the boys go and leave us?” asked the timid Marita.