Come on , Bob ; your sharp nose will smell out food if there is any . '' `` Do n't set the house afire , and bring more wood when you come , for we must have light of some kind in this poky place , '' called Gwen , with a sigh , wishing every one of them were safely at home and abed . A great tramping of boots , slamming of doors , and shouting of voices followed the departure of the boys , as well as a crash , a howl , and then a roar of laughter , as Bob fell down the cellar stairs , having opened the door in search of food and poked his nose in too far . Presently they came back , very dusty , cobwebby , and cold , but triumphantly bearing a droll collection of trophies . Mark had a piece of board and the lantern , Tony a big wooden box and a tin pail , Bob fondly embraced a pickle jar and a tumbler of jelly which had been forgotten on a high shelf in the storeroom . `` Meal , pickles , jam , and boards . What a mess , and what are we to do with it all ? '' cried the girls , much amused at the result of the expedition . `` Can any of you make a hoe cake ? '' demanded Mark . `` No , indeed ! I can make caramels and cocoanut-cakes , '' said Ruth , proudly . `` I can make good toast and tea , '' added Alice . `` I ca n't cook anything , '' confessed Gwen , who was unusually accomplished in French , German , and music . `` Girls are n't worth much in the hour of need . Take hold , Tony , you are the chap for me . '' And Mark disrespectfully turned his back on the young ladies , who could only sit and watch the lads work . `` He ca n't do it without water , '' whispered Ruth . `` Or salt , '' answered Alice . `` Or a pan to bake it in , '' added Gwen ; and then all smiled at the dilemma they foresaw .
But Tony was equal to the occasion , and calmly went on with his task , while XXXXX arranged the fire and Bob opened the pickles .
Alice Bob German Gwen Mark Ruth caramels cocoanut-cakes crash hoe