ound to be dry and warm and ready for use
for the night.
"Well, I swum!" observed the guide, "you've taught me something. Say,
what do you young women need of a guide? You know more about camping
than any guide in the state."
"Oh, we have plenty to learn," answered Harriet brightly, busying
herself in placing the blankets in the tent, Jane, in the meantime,
being engaged in fitting the flap to the opening. The other girls were
standing about, sleepily rubbing their eyes, for it was now midnight,
and they were weary both from the physical exertions of the day and
night, as well as because of the many hours that had elapsed since they
left their beds shortly after daylight.
"Is there anything more we can do for you?" risked Janus, with added
respect.
"Nothing more, thank you," returned Miss Elting. "You two had better
turn in now. Good-night."
Janus fixed the fire, then walked briskly away. In their tent the
girls had begun undressing before this. Fortunately their kimonos had
not been soaked, and after being warmed at the fire by Harriet the
loose gowns felt decidedly comfortable. No time was lost in rolling in
their blankets, which had been spread on the ground. For pillows
inflated rubber bags were used. No one complained of the hardness of
their beds, the little company was too sleepy. Silence soon settled
over the camp, and the Meadow-Brook Girls slept peacefully.
Two hours had elapsed when they were awakened by a commotion somewhere
outside. The shrill neighs of the horses sounded the first alarm,
followed by what seemed to be a fall, a whinny, then the rapid beating
of hoofs.
Harriet struggled to get out of her blanket, in which she had wound
herself tightly. The tent was in darkness. She decided that the
campfire had gone out. For a moment she had to think hard to recall
where she was. Before she had untangled herself, the others of the
party were struggling to free themselves from their blankets.
"What is it?" cried Margery in terror.
"Stay where you are! I don't know. Something is wrong out there,"
answered Harriet, hurriedly pulling on her skirt. "Dress yourselves.
We don't know what--oh, look out!"
Something struck the tent a terrific blow, followed by a series of
snorts and squeals. The tent began to waver.
"It's falling!" cried Miss Elting warningly.
"Get to the other side," shouted Harriet Burrell, herself leaping to
the right-hand side of the tent in a single
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