Another week and you would have starved the whole band to death." "Very well," the man said surlily; "we will see whether you have gained by the exchange.

What does this boy know about cooking ?" "Very little, I am afraid," Malcolm said cheerfully; "but at least I can try.

If I must be a cook I will at least do my best to be a good one.
Now, what have you got in these pots ?" Rollo grumblingly enumerated their contents, and then putting on his doublet went out to join his comrades in the hall, leaving Malcolm to his new duties.
The latter set to work with a will.

He saw that it was best to appear contented with the situation, and to gain as far as possible the goodwill of the band by his attention to their wants.

In this way their vigilance would become relaxed, and some mode of escape might open itself to him.