The noise caused old Philip to turn around.

He thought the lads only intended to fool him when they asked for the candy.

He rushed from behind the counter, easily capturing Paul, who was helpless in the barrel, while Stockie dashed through the door roaring with laughter.
This was the reason that Philip would never allow either boy in his store, so Paul and Stockie had to buy their candy by proxy.
But to return to the "Wild Geese." As the various committees reported, they would find a roaring fire and everything ready for cooking.

The banquet table was generally prepared in the upper story or loft and consisted of two long boards on trestles.

The seats were round blocks of wood.