`` I saw a keg of soft-soap in the shed . How would that go with the pickles ? '' suggested Bob , who felt equal to the biggest and acidest cucumber ever grown . `` Mamma knew an old lady who actually did eat soft-soap and cream for her complexion , '' put in Alice , whose own fresh face looked as if she had tried the same distasteful remedy with success . The boys laughed , and Mark , who felt that hospitality required him to do something for his guests , said briskly , -- `` Let us go on a foraging expedition while the lamp holds out to burn , for the old lantern is almost gone and then we are done for . 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 , XXXXX , you are the chap for me . ''
Alice German Mark Ruth Tony burn caramels cucumber hoe soft-soap