The men carried the baskets with the provisions, while the whole company walked along the steep river bank, seeking a convenient spot for a camping ground.
All about them the lonely wood rustled softly with its young oak leaves and juniper bushes. They halted under a grove of verdant oaks. Behind them was the woodland solitude while beneath them the Wisla gleamed in the sunlight and murmured with its blue waves breaking against the shore.
After the preliminary drinks and sandwiches all became lively.
"Well, now let us drink the health of the initiators of the outing!" cried Glogowski, filling the glasses.
"Let us rather drink to the success of your new play," cried several voices.
"No, that will not help it any . . . it will turn out a fiasco anyway . . ."
"Perhaps Topolski will now reveal to us his secret plan," said
Kotlicki who was calmly stretched out on his plaid beside Janina.
"Let that rest! After we have had plenty to eat and still more to drink will be time enough. Perhaps the ladies will untie those packages," cried Wawrzecki.
Napkins were spread out on the grass and a variety of dainties was brought forward and set upon them amid laughter.
"That's nice, but where is the tea?" exclaimed Janina.