"Mebbe they'd like to have ye as a guide, Jimmy," he said.
"I guess not," returned Jimmy, dryly. "I couldn't work fur nothin' less'n fifty cents a day; an' it might be a corkin' hard job ter help 'em lug the stuff they gits."
Dick felt sure that Jimmy's expression changed for the fraction of a second; therefore he scowled fiercely at Jack, and winked significantly.
"Whar's the fat un?" asked Jimmy, abruptly.
"Guess he's havin' some more inspershuns," said Pete; "but the big feller here says as how nobody else ever ketches it."
"Eh!" Jimmy gave a start. "What's them?"
"It isn't 'them,' it's 'it,'" gurgled Jack, "eh, Tommy? Near grub time, you say? Good! Yes, Jimmy, my lad, this afternoon—see here, Timmy, if you try to make a haystack out o' me again, maybe only six boys will go!"
Jack brushed away the bunches of tall grass which rested on his shoulder, punched Sam because he happened to be nearest, and answered the hail which came at that moment from Booney.
Some of the lads found it rather difficult to eat breakfast, but Dave Brandon wasn't among the number. There was a feeling of suppressed excitement which he didn't seem to share; even Bob was glad when the meal was over.
"I expect Captain Slater at any moment," said Uncle Stanley. "He told me he would surely be here."