Harry officiated as cook, and set about his duties in a manner that showed he was not a novice, while the other lads looked on with great interest, telling stories and cracking jokes.

Merriwell offered to bet Robinson that woman was created before man, but Bandy was shy, scenting a sell.  However, Frank kept at him, finally offering to let Robinson himself decide.  At length Robinson “bit,” and a small wager was made.

“Now,” cried Bandy, “go ahead and prove that woman was made before man.  You can’t do it.”

“That’s dead easy,” smiled Frank.  “I know you will readily acknowledge that Eve was the first maid.”

“No, I’ll be hanged if—­”

Then Robinson stopped short, for he saw the point, and the others were laughing heartily and applauding.

“The first maid!” he muttered.  “Oh, thunder!  What a soft thing I am!  You have won, Merriwell.”

The turkey began to give out a most delicious odor, and the boys snuffed the air with the keenest delight.  How hungry they were!  How jolly everything seemed!  There was not one of the party who did not feel very grateful to think he was living that night.

At last the turkey was done.  Harry pronounced it done, and it was certainly browned and basted in beautiful style.  It was a monster, but there would be none too much for that famished crowd.

Frank and Blossom assisted Harry in serving.  There were not enough plates for all, but that did not matter.  They managed to get along all right.  Some were forced to drink their beer out of the bottle, but nobody murmured.

The turkey was white and tender, and it was certainly very well cooked.  It had a most delicious flavor.  And how good the beer was with it!  How those fellows jollied Merriwell because he would not even taste the beer.  And still they secretly admired him for it.  He had the nerve to say no and stick to it, which they could not help admiring.

When the turkey was all gone cigars were passed, and nearly every one “fired up.”  Then Harry and Frank got out a banjo and mandolin and gave the party some lively music.  It was long after two o’clock, but who cared for that?  Nobody thought of the hour.  If Mrs. Harrington complained in the morning, she must be pacified with a peace offering.

They sang “Old Man Moses,” “Solomon Levi,” “Bingo,” and a dozen more.  There were some fine voices among them.  Finally a quartet was formed, consisting of Merriwell, Rattleton, Diamond and Blossom.  It positively was a treat to hear them sing “Good-by, My Little Lady.”

  “The boats are pushing from the shore,
    Good-by, my little lady! 
  With brawny arm and trusty oar,
    Each man is up and ready;
  I see our colors dancing
  Where sunlit waves are glancing;
  A fond adieu I’ll say to you,
  My lady true and fair.

  “Good-by, good-by, my lady sweet! 
    Good-by, my little lady! 
  Good-by, good-by, again we’ll meet,
    So here’s farewell, my lady!”