The big tin coffee-pot was not so romantic , but more successful than a kettle slung on three sticks , gypsy fashion ; so they did not risk a downfall , but set the water boiling , and soon filled the air with the agreeable perfume associated in their minds with picnics , as most of them never tasted the fascinating stuff at any other time , being the worst children can drink . Frank was cook , Gus helped cut bread and cake , Jack and Grif brought wood , while Bob Walker took Joe 's place and made himself generally useful , as the other gentleman never did , and so was quite out of favor lately . All was ready at last , and they were just deciding to sit down without Ralph , when a shout told them he was coming , and down the river skimmed a wherry at such a rate the boys wondered whom he had been racing with . `` Something has happened , and he is coming to tell us , '' said Jill , who sat where she could see his eager face . `` Nothing bad , or he would n't smile so . He is glad of a good row and a little fun after working so hard all the week ; '' and Merry shook a red napkin as a welcoming signal . Something certainly had happened , and a very happy something it must be , they all thought , as Ralph came on with flashing oars , and leaping out as the boat touched the shore , ran up the slope , waving his hat , and calling in a glad voice , sure of sympathy in his delight , -- `` Good news ! good news ! Hurrah for Rome , next month ! '' The young folks forgot their supper for a moment , to congratulate him on his happy prospect , and hear all about it , while the leaves rustled as if echoing the kind words , and the squirrels sat up aloft , wondering what all the pleasant clamor was about . `` Yes , I 'm really going in November . German asked me to go with him to-day , and if there is any little hitch in my getting off , he 'll lend a hand , and I -- I 'll black his boots , wet his clay , and run his errands the rest of my life to pay for this ! '' cried Ralph , in a burst of gratitude ; for , independent as he was , the kindness of this successful friend to a deserving comrade touched and won his heart . `` I call that a handsome thing to do ! '' said Frank , warmly , for noble actions always pleased him . `` I heard my mother say that making good or useful men was the best sort of sculpture , so I think David German may be proud of this piece of work , whether the big statue succeeds or not . '' `` I 'm very glad , old fellow . When I run over for my trip four years from now , I 'll look you up , and see how you are getting on , '' said Gus , with a hearty shake of the hand ; and the younger lads grinned cheerfully , even while they wondered where the fun was in shaping clay and chipping marble . `` Shall you stay four years ? '' asked Merry 's soft voice , while a wistful look came into her happy eyes .
`` Ten , if I can , '' answered XXXXX , decidedly , feeling as if a long lifetime would be all too short for the immortal work he meant to do .
Grif Jack Joe Ralph Rome independent oars squirrels wherry years