"But really and truly, I have got some things I want to do, though of course they could be postponed if absolutely necessary.

Some time perhaps you'll be having my plebeian dish over at your house; then try asking me if you dare." He turned up about seven o'clock, just after darkness had set in, for the moon was getting very old now, and a late riser.

The two boys sat in Hugh's den for considerably more than an hour, talking and planning.
Both showed vague signs of nervousness, however.

Thad in particular frequently walked over to a window and looked out.

Doubtless he was thinking what a joke on them it would be if the marauders came much earlier than expected, when all their fine work with that tub of icy water would go for naught.
"Hadn't we better be making a start, Hugh ?" he finally asked.