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startled Reverend Weary stuck his head in through the kitchen door. "Sorry, Mr. Arnot", he offered. "I must have missed it in the rush. I'll try and be more careful." He withdrew, leaving the kitchen in an embarrassed silence broken only by the sound of spluttering bacon. Slowly work resumed in the quiet which finally dissolved in laughter when Mac mused: "I wonder if it's a sin to call the Father a silly sod?" Old Arnot's ears glowed red but his shoulders shook with laughter as he bent himself to his pots. And so it went till half-past one. It was almost three by the time clean-up was done. The syrup was scrubbed from the tables and the floor, the dirty cloths were bundled up for the wash and the last plate and cup and spoon had safely gone to their resting place in the cupboard. Mr. Patch had tallied up and was proudly sharing the news of their take with the boys. "Twenty two dollars and thirty cents!" he reported. "That will fill a hole in our accounts. Good work lads!" Good work! Yes, it had been. Good work and a good time too. Bill hiked his collar up and scrunched down his head as he made ready to throw open the door. Good work but, still and all, he was glad it only came once a year. St. John's Anglican Church - 13