Jack whistled like a blackbird as he swung and bumped about , Frank orated and joked , Merry and Molly ran races to see who would fill and empty fastest , and Jill sung to Boo , who reposed in a barrel , exhausted with his labors . `` These are the last of the pleasant days , and we ought to make the most of them . Let 's have one more picnic before the frost spoils the leaves , '' said Merry , resting a minute at the gate to look down the street , which was a glorified sort of avenue , with brilliant maples lining the way and carpeting the ground with crimson and gold . `` Oh , yes ! Go down the river once more and have supper on the Island . I could n't go to some of your picnics , and I do long for a last good time before winter shuts me up again , '' cried Jill , eager to harvest all the sunshine she could , for she was not yet quite her old self again . `` I 'm your man , if the other fellows agree . We ca n't barrel these up for a while , so to-morrow will be a holiday for us . Better make sure of the day while you can , this weather ca n't last long ; '' and Frank shook his head like one on intimate terms with Old Prob . `` Do n't worry about those high ones , Jack . Give a shake and come down and plan about the party , '' called Molly , throwing up a big Baldwin with what seemed a remarkably good aim , for a shower of apples followed , and a boy came tumbling earthward to catch on the lowest bough and swing down like a caterpillar , exclaiming , as he landed , -- `` I 'm glad that job is done ! I 've rasped every knuckle I 've got and worn out the knees of my pants . Nice little crop though , is n't it ? '' `` It will be nicer if this young man does not bite every apple he touches . Hi there ! Stop it , Boo , '' commanded Frank , as he caught his young assistant putting his small teeth into the best ones , to see if they were sweet or sour . Molly set the barrel up on end , and that took the boy out of the reach of mischief , so he retired from view and peeped through a crack as he ate his fifth pearmain , regardless of consequences . `` Gus will be at home to-morrow . He always comes up early on Saturday , you know . We ca n't get on without him , '' said Frank , who missed his mate very much , for Gus had entered college , and so far did not like it as much as he had expected .
`` Or Ralph ; he is very busy every spare XXXXX on the little boy 's bust , which is getting on nicely , he says ; but he will be able to come home in time for supper , I think , '' added Merry , remembering the absent , as usual .
Baldwin Frank Gus Jill Merry Molly Prob days minute pearmain