Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/233

Rh rubber coat; “Phil had a bag of peanuts, and we just stuck the umbrella handle down my  neck to hold it, so we could both eat, all the  way.”

“Yes,” put in Phil, as he furtively swallowed the last of his feast. “But I didn’t get much of the umbrella, just the same, and my legs got  awfully wet, for they hung out behind it, too. Any boys here yet?”

“Nobody but me,” said Fred, strolling into the hall. “There come Rob and Sam,” he added, as a step was heard.

“I don’t see how you tell so quick,” said Phil admiringly. “They all sound just alike to me; don’t they to you, Bert?”

“Yes, they do to me,” said Bert gently, as he passed his arm through Fred’s and started  for the library; “but if I just had to listen all  the time, I think I should know you all apart. But I don’t suppose I care to try; do I, Fred?”

Teddy was the last arrival.

“I stopped to get these,” he explained, tossing a huge bunch of many-colored roses into Bessie’s lap. “And here’s an extra smelly one for you, Fred.” And he put into his hand a