!"

There was no answer and not in all the broad expanse of whiteness could
they see a human being.

"I wish I knew what to do," exclaimed Molly, growing more and more
uneasy. "Suppose she has been injured--suppose--suppose----"

"There they are!" cried Judy. "The young rascals, I believe they are
utterly oblivious to time."

Far over the ice appeared the two figures. They were not skating but
walking, and several times before they reached the girls they slipped
and fell down.

"You are a nice pair," cried Judy. "Don't you know it's way after hours
and everybody is in bed long ago?"

"Why, Nance, dear, what has happened? Why are you walking?" asked Molly,
who was rarely known to scold anybody.

"I am very sorry," said Nance stiffly. "I couldn't help it. The heel of
my shoe came off and I couldn't skate. Mr. McLean----"

Judy smiled mischievously.

"They've been quarreling," she said under her breath.

"And Mr. McLean had to bring me back much against his will."

"Nothing of the sort, Miss Oldham," put in "Mr." McLean, flushing
angrily. "I was very glad to bring you back. I only said----"

"Never mind what you said. It was your manner. Actions speak louder than
words."

"Come along," put in Molly. "This is no time for quarrels. It's after
eleven. Andy, what will you do? Skate back to Exmoor or stay at your
father's?"

"I shall skate back, of course," he answered in an heroic voice. "The
other fellows might think something had happened to me."

"Here, Nance, put on one of my overshoes," said Judy. "That will keep
you from slipping and we must hasten e'er the midnight chime doth
strike. Farewell, Andrew. God bless you, and a safe journey, my boy."

Judy struck a dramatic attitude and Molly was obliged to laugh, in spite
of the serious faces of the others.

"Hadn't I better see you home?" asked Andrew stiffly.

"Forsooth, no, good gentleman. Begone, and the sooner the better."

"Come on, you silly goose," laughed Molly, and the three girls hurried
home. Once they stopped to look back, and young Andy, skating as if the
foul fiends were after him, was almost at the end of the course.

There was no Miss Steel that winter to keep a sharp ear open for
late-comers and the girls crept safely up to bed. Twice in the night
Molly heard Nance weeping bitterly. But she said nothing because she
knew that such quarrels are soon mended.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE THAW.

Next day began the thaw and in a week