Say, let's pull down and see it." Under Mop's direction the old scow gradually made its way toward the big stub.
They explored the stub, finding in it a hole and in the hole a nest, the mother and father woodpeckers meanwhile flying in wild agitation from stub to stub and protesting with shrill cries against the intruders.
Then they each must climb up and feel the eggs lying soft and snug in their comfy cavity.

After that they all must discuss the probable time of hatching, the likelihood of there being other nests in other stubs which they proceeded to visit.

So the eager moments gaily passed into minutes all unheeded, till inevitable recollection dragged them back from the world of adventure and romance to that of stern duty and dull toil.
"Say, boys, we'll be late," cried Larry, in sudden panic, seizing his oar.

"Come on, Ben, let's go." "I guess it's pretty late now," replied Ben, slowly taking up his oar.
"Dat bell, I hear him long tam," said Joe placidly.

"Oh, Joe!" cried Larry in distress.