`` Shure and I will , miss dear , as soon as iver I can ; but it 's round a good bit we must go , for I could n't be turning here widout upsettin ' the whole of yez , it 's that drifted . Rest aisy , and I 'll fetch up at the ould place in half an hour , plaze the powers , '' said Pat , who had lost his way and would n't own it , being stupid with a sup or two he had privately taken on the way , to keep the chill out of his bones he said . On they went again , with the wind at their backs , caring little for the snow that now fell fast , or the gathering twilight , since they were going toward home they thought . It was a very long half-hour before Pat brought them to the country-house , which was shut up for the winter . With difficulty they ploughed their way up to the steps , and scrambled on to the piazza , where they danced about to warm their feet till Mark unlocked the door and let them in , leaving Pat to enjoy a doze on his seat . `` Make haste , boys ; it is cold and dark here , and we must get home . Mamma will be so anxious , and it really is going to be a bad storm , '' said Gwen , whose spirits were damped by the gloom of the old house , and who felt her responsibility , having promised to be home early . Off went the boys to attic and cellar , being obliged to light the lantern left here for the use of whoever came now and then to inspect the premises . The girls , having found books and doll , sat upon the rolled-up carpets , or peeped about at the once gay and hospitable rooms , now looking very empty and desolate with piled-up furniture , shuttered windows , and fireless hearths . `` If we were going to stay long I 'd have a fire in the library . Papa often does when he comes out , to keep the books from moulding , '' began Gwen , but was interrupted by a shout from without , and , running to the door , saw Pat picking himself out of a drift while the horses were galloping down the avenue at full speed . `` Be jabbers , them villains give a jump when that fallin ' branch struck 'em , and out I wint , bein ' tuk unknownst , just thinkin ' of me poor cousin Mike . May his bed above be aisy the day ! Whist now , miss dear ! I 'll fetch 'em back in a jiffy . Stop still till I come , and kape them b ` ys quite . '' With a blow to settle his hat , Patrick trotted gallantly away into the storm , and the girls went in to tell the exciting news to the lads , who came whooping back from their search , with baskets of nuts and apples . `` Here 's a go ! '' cried Mark . `` Old Pat will run half-way to town before he catches the horses , and we are in for an hour or two at least . ''
`` Then do make a fire , for we shall die of cold if we have to wait long , '' begged XXXXX , rubbing Rita 's cold hands , and looking anxiously at little Gus , who was about making up his mind to roar .
Gwen Mike Pat Patrick Whist country-house hearths hour jabbers upsettin