ut speaking. This walking was continued for the
better part of an hour. In the meantime Miss Elting was considering
what might best be done. She decided to go in search of some one who
would take them to their destination. After a talk with Harriet, and
leaving directions as to what was to be done during her absence, the
guardian set out, walking fast. She realized the necessity of warm
drinks and something to assist in stirring Harriet's circulation. The
Meadow-Brook Girl's escape from drowning had been a narrow one, but no
one realized the necessity for further treatment more than Miss Elting
did.

After a time Harriet insisted on walking without the support of Jane's
arm, but it was a difficult undertaking. Harriet had to bring all the
resolution she possessed to the task of supporting her weakened limbs;
but she managed it, with now and then a rest, leaning against a tree
or a rock. Tommy had found her tongue again, to keep up a running fire
of inconsequential chatter that served its purpose well, assisting
Harriet in keeping her mind from her own troubles.

The guardian returned, after having been absent half an hour. She came
running down the byway, shouting before she appeared in sight of the
party to know if all were well.

"Oh, Harriet, I'm so glad to see you looking better! I have a boy and
a democrat wagon to take us to the real cove. This isn't the place at
all. Lonesome Cove is nearly five miles from here. But look! I've
something that will please you!" exclaimed the guardian.

"What ith it?" demanded Tommy, edging near.

"Coffee!" exclaimed Miss Elting triumphantly.

"But how are we going to cook it?" cried Jane.

"Get the coffee pot. It is in one of the packs that we saved. We have
neither milk nor sugar, but we shan't care about that. I met a boy, as
I have told you. He had been to mill with a grist, and was also taking
some groceries home with him. I secured the coffee by paying double
price for it, but consider it cheap at that. Hazel, you and Margery
will gather some dry wood and make a fire." Jane already had gone to
look for the coffee pot. She found it, after opening one of the wet
packs.

"The fire is laid," announced Hazel, "but we haven't any matches. What
shall we do?"

"Mith Elting hath thome matcheth," answered Tommy.

"How do you know, my dear?" The guardian laughed merrily.

"I thee a box in your pocket."

"You see too much," declared Margery.

"Yes, I bought matches, too."