So engrossed was I in this that I was still sitting in the same attitude and occupation when my companions returned.
"I told you so!" cried Peterkin, with a loud laugh.

"Oh, Ralph, you're incorrigible.

See, there's a club for you.

I was sure, when we left you looking at that bit of stuff, that we would find you poring over it when we came back, so I just cut a club for you as well as for myself." "Thank you, Peterkin," said I.

"It was kind of you to do that, instead of scolding me for a lazy fellow, as I confess I deserve." "Oh! as to that," returned Peterkin, "I'll blow you up yet, if you wish it--only it would be of no use if I did, for you're a perfect mule!" As it was now getting dark we lighted our candle, and placing it in a holder made of two crossing branches, inside of our bower, we seated ourselves on our leafy beds and began to work.
"I intend to appropriate the bow for my own use," said Jack, chipping the piece of wood he had brought with his axe.