Still no Ralph.

It was just five minutes before nine.

A rumor now gained currency that he had been seen going to Clifty the evening before, and that he had not come back, though in fact Ralph had come back, and had slept at Squire Hawkins's.
"There's the master," cried Betsey Short, who stood out in the road shivering and giggling alternately.

For Ralph at that moment emerged from the sugar-camp by the school-house, carrying a board.
"Ho! ho!" laughed Hank, "he thinks he'll smoke us out.

I guess he'll find us ready." The boys had let the fire burn down, and there was now nothing but hot hickory coals on the hearth.
"I tell you he'll come in.