St. Nicholas Volume 36, PT. 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ...No harm done--it 's cooked, anyway. And so 'm I, he added, fanning himself vigorously with the poker. What 's the matter, Budd? Say, boys, what have you done to Budd? He 's crying! It 's the onions, explained Budd, wiping his streaming eyes. Don't you think I 've peeled enough? Enough! said Griff, peering into his pan. You must have about a peck already! One apiece would do, would n't it, Ted?--good big ones. Look here, boys--Ted was gazing anxiously into the frying-pan--do you think the pork ought to run all out to nothing like that? It was a good fat piece when it began, and--emaciation!--it would make you weep to see how it 's gone off in the last few minutes! Better save it quick, before it disappears entirely, said Griff. Can't you feed it a little potato or-- A stifled groan from behind caused the group to turn quickly to their leader, who, manfully struggling with a huge whitish mass in his pan, was discovered to be in an unspeakable condition as to his hands, to say nothing of his face, which was smeared with flour from brow to chin, and his garments, which no amount of checked apron could protect. It's because I put my hands in too soon, he explained, somewhat irritably, in answer to their anxious inquiries. I was going to knead it, but I ought to have stirred it up more first. If I had anything decent to stir it with--that spoon 's no good. I should say not! cried Ted, choking back his ill-timed mirth. Come, boys, fly round and get the captain something to stir with, can't you?--something good and strong! They flew, and the captain, powerless to avenge himself, ...