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 , Tony , you are the chap for me . '' And Mark disrespectfully turned his back on the young ladies , who could only sit and watch the lads work . `` He ca n't do it without water , '' whispered Ruth . `` Or salt , '' answered Alice . `` Or a pan to bake it in , '' added Gwen ; and then all smiled at the dilemma they foresaw . But Tony was equal to the occasion , and calmly went on with his task , while Mark arranged the fire and Bob opened the pickles . First the new cook filled the pail with snow till enough was melted to wet the meal ; this mixture was stirred with a pine stick till thick enough , then spread on the board and set up before the bed of coals to brown . `` It never will bake in the world . '' `` He ca n't turn it , so it wo n't be done on both sides . '' `` Wo n't be fit to eat any way ! '' And with these dark hints the girls consoled themselves for their want of skill . But the cake did bake a nice brown , Tony did turn it neatly with his jack-knife and the stick , and when it was done cut it into bits , added jelly , and passed it round on an old atlas ; and every one said , -- `` It really does taste good ! '' Two more were baked , and eaten with pickles for a change , then all were satisfied , and after a vote of thanks to Tony they began to think of sleep . `` Pat has gone home and told them we are all right , and mamma knows we can manage here well enough for one night , so do n't worry , Gwen , but take a nap , and I 'll lie on the rug and see to the fire . '' Mark 's happy-go-lucky way of taking things did not convince his sister ; but as she could do nothing , she submitted and made her friends as comfortable as she could . All had plenty of wraps , so the girls nestled into the three large chairs , Bob and Tony rolled themselves up in the robe , with their feet to the fire , and were soon snoring like weary hunters .
XXXXX pillowed his head on a log , and was sound asleep in ten minutes in spite of his promise to be sentinel .
Alice First French German Gwen Mark fire jack-knife night right