But they did not watch him because they were otherwise engaged. None of them had small appetites, and they all did good work. Just the same when they were through there were a generous piece of cake, a fat slice of veal loaf, and seven sandwiches left.
“I told you so,” said Billy. “Here, Tommy, it is up to you. Have these seven nice sandwiches.”
“Can’t be done,” said Tom regretfully. “I’ve had that many. I had three pieces of cake, too.”
“Doesn’t matter!” said Billy. “A gentleman’s word of honor——”
He prepared to jump on Tom and hold him, while Louise held a sandwich ready to insert.
“Ow!” said Tom. “Help! This is cruelty to animals. Pry him off, Winnie!”
“Oh, let up, please!” said Winona. “You know, he might explode, and mother’d feel badly.”
Billy took one knee off, and Tom wriggled more vigorously. Louise relented, and the two girls were trying to pull Billy off Tom. They had almost succeeded, when a little rustle behind them made Winona, whose senses were the most alert, let go and turn. The others followed her eyes. They sat up and looked, and Tom jumped to his feet and began to dust himself off.
The newcomer, who was a most forlorn and bedraggled little girl, spoke very welcome words.
“Me’s very hundry!” she said pathetically.