"And a jollier long time to get out, if we want to, in a hurry," suggested the timid one.
"That is true," agreed the chief. "We will toss up, and 'odd man' goes in and hands out—eh?"
Faint applause.
But the idea was not carried out, because, upon reflection, we remembered Mother Kemp had our last coin.
"Never mind," cried Boston, in his happy dare-all way. "I'll do it! Lend me a back, somebody, and keep a sharp look out, mind!"
We lent him a back with alacrity, it being a cheap and easy loan, and he drew himself up.
"I see a pie!" he cried, and the words revived us. "Supposing it is steak!"
We supposed, and felt more hungry than ever.
Then we watched him with increased interest, as he squeezed his body through the casement, paused a moment to recover breath, descended gradually and carefully, and—Heavens, what was that? There was a scuffle and a gasp. Was it the doctor?
I think at this juncture my knees began to tremble; so I cannot describe what the other sounds in the pantry were—at least, not with any accuracy.