Poor little Gwen is badly frightened . Get some snow , Tom , while I pick her up , '' commanded the uncle , and order was soon established . The boys were all right at once , and Ruth and Alice devoted themselves to the children , who were very cross and sleepy in spite of their fright . Gwen was herself in a moment , and so ashamed of her scare that she was glad there was no more light to betray her pale cheeks . `` I should have known you , uncle , at once , but to see a strange man startled me , and he did n't speak , and I thought that can was a pistol , '' stammered Gwen , when she had collected her wits a little . `` Why , that 's my old friend and captain , Tom May . Do n't you remember him , child ? He thought you were all asleep , so crept out to tell me and let me in . '' `` How did he get in himself ? '' asked Gwen , glad to turn the conversation . `` Found the shed door open , and surprised the camp by a flank movement . You would n't do for picket duty , boys , '' laughed Captain Tom , enjoying the dismay of the lads . `` Oh , thunder ! I forgot to bolt it when we first went for the wood . Had to open it , the place was so plaguy dark , '' muttered Bob , much disgusted . `` Where 's Pat ? '' asked Tony , with great presence of mind , feeling anxious to shift all blame to his broad shoulders . Uncle Ed shook the snow from his hair and clothes , and , poking up the fire , leisurely sat down and took Gus on his knee before he replied , -- `` Serve out the grog , Tom , while I spin my yarn . '' Round went the can of hot coffee , and a few sips brightened up the young folks immensely , so that they listened with great interest to the tale of Pat 's mishaps . `` The scamp was half-seas over when he started , and deserves all he got .
In the XXXXX place he lost his way , then tumbled overboard , and let the horses go .
Alice May Ruth Tom Tony fire first grog right scamp