"We will close up for the afternoon," said Frank. "There's a lot of little things to do about the house and lot mother has rented. I promised she should have our help for half a day."
After dinner Frank and Markham put on some old clothes and set briskly at work. They mended the back stoop of the cottage, propped up a fence, raked the yard and got the wood shed in order.
About four o'clock both started in at the cistern at the side of the house. Its top had settled in, and new boards were required here and there, and a new trough from the house eaves.
Markham was holding a board that Frank was nailing, when some one passing by on the street whistling caused both to look up.
"Don't let go—the board will spring loose," warned Frank, turning quickly as the pressure from the board end was suddenly removed—"why, Markham—"
"Oh, the mischief!" muttered Markham.
In wonderment and consternation at a swift glance Frank noticed a strangely startled expression on his companion's face.
Then, his eyes fixed steadfastly upon the street, Markham deliberately jumped down into the cistern out of sight.
