Dave had busied himself with opening two tins of meat.

They had fresh meat, but the latter was to be used on the morrow when their housekeeping arrangements had been better made.

For the present the meat and some other perishable articles of food rested on the ground outdoors, under an overturned box on which three large stones had been placed as weights.
"It's six o'clock," called Dick at last.

"Are we going to eat on time ?" "I'm all ready with the potatoes," Dan called back.
Dick once more busied himself with making weak coffee.

Tom and Harry set the dishes on the table with a cheery clatter.