And producing the box from under a sofa-cushion , Gwen cheered the hearts of all by lighting two candles , rolling up the chairs , and making ready to be comfortable . Thoughtful Alice went to see if Pat was returning , and found a buffalo-robe lying on the steps . Returning with this , she reported that there was no sign of the runaways , and advised making ready for a long stay . `` How mamma will worry ! '' thought Gwen , but made light of the affair , because she saw Rita looked timid , and Gus shivered till his teeth chattered . `` We will have a nice time , and play we are shipwrecked people or Arctic explorers . Here comes Dr. Kane and the sailors with supplies of wood , so we can thaw our pemmican and warm our feet . Gus shall be the little Esquimaux boy , all dressed in fur , as he is in the picture we have at home , '' she said , wrapping the child in the robe , and putting her own sealskin cap on his head to divert his mind . `` Here we are ! Now for a jolly blaze , boys ; and if Pat does n't come back we can have our fun here instead of at home , '' cried Mark , well pleased with the adventure , as were his mates . So they fell to work , and soon a bright fire was lighting up the room with its cheerful shine , and the children gathered about it , quite careless of the storm raging without , and sure that Pat would come in time . `` I 'm hungry , '' complained Gus as soon as he was warm . `` So am I , '' added Rita from the rug , where the two little ones sat toasting themselves . `` Eat an apple , '' said Mark . `` They are so hard and cold I do n't like them , '' began Gus . `` Roast some ! '' cried Ruth . `` And crack nuts , '' suggested Alice . `` Pity we ca n't cook something in real camp style ; it would be such fun , '' said Tony , who had spent weeks on Monadnock , living upon the supplies he and his party tugged up the mountain on their backs . `` We shall not have time for anything but what we have .
Put down your apples and crack away , or we shall be obliged to leave them , '' advised XXXXX , coming back from an observation at the front door with an anxious line on her forehead ; for the storm was rapidly increasing , and there was no sign of Pat or the horses .
Arctic Esquimaux Gwen Kane Monadnock Ruth Tony buffalo-robe sofa-cushion storm