“Well, you must tell it now,” declared Joel in a very injured fashion.
“Why, Joel Pepper, look at that clock!” cried Polly, pointing to it.
“It’s only half—a little after seven,” said Joel, looking every way but at the clock.
“O Joe, it’s twenty-five minutes to eight!” said Davie, running up to stand under the clock.
“Well, that isn’t much,” grumbled Joel.
“It’s five minutes after your bed-time, Joel,” said Mother Pepper, going into the bedroom for her big work-basket; “so take yourself off.”
“And I’ll finish Mr. Nutcracker to-morrow, Joe,” promised Polly, as Joel clattered up-stairs.