“I’m something of a cook,” boasted Jolly. “I don’t say I could make bread or pie, but as to common, everyday food, an occasional strawberry shortcake, or even doughnuts—well, you stock up with the supplies and I’ll promise to do my best.”
“It’s just fine,” voted Pep. “The sleeping rooms look right across to the ocean and there’s a splendid sweep of air with all these openings. It will be cool and comfortable on the very hottest nights. I’ll wash all the dishes, Mr. Jolly, and set the table, and all that.”
“Oh, we shall get on famously, I am sure of that,” observed Frank with keen satisfaction.
The boys decided that they would at once move their traps from the hotel and make permanent headquarters at their home base. They had their first meal in their new quarters that evening.
“You have certainly given us a royal meal, Mr. Jolly,” declared Frank, as beefsteak, fried potatoes, bakery biscuit, and coffee and a really creditable corn starch pudding went the rounds.
“Sorry I’ve got to leave you,” remarked Vincent. “I’d ask nothing better than to camp right here for the rest of the season.”
“Then why not do it?” inquired the ready Pep.
“Yes, if you care to take pot luck with us till we get fairly on our feet, you can certainly help us along with all your varied accomplishments, Mr. Vincent,” declared Frank.
“I’ve got that in mind,” explained Vincent, “but I must get to New York first. You see, the show I was with that broke up owes me money. I want to see if I can’t get something out of the wreck and I want to call on the backers of the proposition. I’d better get to the city while I have the partnership profits Jolly has been good enough to say I have earned on that bird house speculation. If I don’t it will melt away.”
“I say,” here put in Jolly, “why don’t you and Durham go together? As it’s arranged, Durham, you have got to put in a day or two arranging for what new equipment we need and the film service.”