He began to run, but the cry that reached him was: "The books have come!" How they hurried! Freckles lifted the youngest to his shoulder, the second took his club and dinner pail, and when they reached Mrs.Duncan they found her at work on a big box.

She had loosened the lid, and then she laughingly sat on it.
"Ye canna have a peep in here until ye have washed and eaten supper," she said.

"It's all ready on the table.

Ance ye begin on this, ye'll no be willin' to tak' your nose o' it till bedtime, and I willna get my work done the nicht.

We've eaten long ago." It was difficult work, but Freckles smiled bravely.