noon
Now , as I 've been taking lessons from our cook , Nora , I ought to be considered something of a judge , and I want to say right here that I never whiffed more appetizing smells around a camp-fire in all my born days than are filling the air this very minute . I do n't see how I can stand it much longer ; seems that I 'm possessed with a wild desire to jump up and begin eating like a cannibal . '' `` Well , do n't you pick out Bessie when you do , '' Steve warned him solemnly ; `` she may be sweet enough to eat , but not for you , Bandy-legs . But just think how the girls must suffer getting all these rations ready , and not having had a mouthful of food since breakfast-time while all the rest of us had lunch at noon . '' `` Max , you said you had a bell somewhere , so please ring it , because everything 's ready , '' Mazie called out just at that minute . Whereupon Max picked up an extra skillet that had come with the other kitchen stuff , and pounded on it loud and long with a great big stick ; while the rest of the party hastened to find places around the makeshift camp table , formed out of some of the best boards , laid on the ground , because they had neither hammer nor nails with which to construct a real table . It was a merry sight to see them all , and much laughing was indulged in .