_Ef_ he don't blow up the school-house with gunpowder!" This last was thrown in by way of alleviating the fears of the cowardly Hank, for whom Bud had a great contempt.
The time for school had almost come.

The boys inside were demoralized by waiting.

They began to hope that the master had "sloped." They dreaded to see him coming.
"I don't believe he'll come," said Hank, with a cold shiver.

"It's past school-time." "Yes, he will come, too," said Bud.

"And he 'lows to come in here mighty quick.