The New McGuffey Fourth Reader, W. H. McGuffey [reading like a writer txt] 📗

"So it is," said the other boys. "What a pity we have no betterplace to stand on!"

On the dry land, not far from the quagmire, there were at thattime a great many large stones that had been brought there to beused in building the foundation of a new house. Ben mounted uponthe highest of these stones.

"Boys," said he, "I have thought of a plan. You know what aplague it is to have to stand in the quagmire yonder. See, I ambedaubed to the knees, and you are all in the same plight.

"Now I propose that we build a wharf. You see these stones? Theworkmen mean to use them for building a house here. My plan is totake these same stones, carry them to the edge of the water, andbuild a wharf with them. What say you, lads? Shall we build thewharf?"

"Yes, yes," cried the boys; "let's set about it!"

It was agreed that they should all be on the spot that evening,and begin their grand public enterprise by moonlight.

Accordingly, at the appointed