`` 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 minute 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 . `` I 'll ask the girls on my way home , and all meet at two o'clock for a good row while it 's warm . What shall I bring ? '' asked Molly , wondering if Miss Bat 's amiability would extend to making goodies in the midst of her usual Saturday 's baking . `` You bring coffee and the big pot and some buttered crackers . I 'll see to the pie and cake , and the other girls can have anything else they like , '' answered Merry , glad and proud that she could provide the party with her own inviting handiwork . `` I 'll take my zither , so we can have music as we sail , and Grif will bring his violin , and Ralph can imitate a banjo so that you 'd be sure he had one . I do hope it will be fine , it is so splendid to go round like other folks and enjoy myself , '' cried Jill , with a little bounce of satisfaction at the prospect of a row and ramble . `` Come along , then , and make sure of the girls , '' said Merry , catching up her roll of work , for the harvesting was done .
XXXXX put her sack on as the easiest way of carrying it , and , extricating Boo , they went off , accompanied by the boys , `` to make sure of the fellows '' also , leaving Jill to sit among the apples , singing and sorting like a thrifty little housewife .
Baldwin Bat Frank Gus Jill Merry Molly Ralph o'clock pearmain