`` 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 Gwen , rubbing Rita 's cold hands , and looking anxiously at little Gus , who was about making up his mind to roar . `` So we will , and be jolly till the blunderbuss gets back . Camp down , girls , and you fellows , come and hold the lantern while I get wood and stuff . It is so confoundedly dark , I shall break my neck down the shed steps . '' And Mark led the way to the library , where the carpet still remained , and comfortable chairs and sofas invited the chilly visitors to rest .
`` How can you light your XXXXX when you get the wood ? ''
Gus Mike Rita Whist blunderbuss fallin fire hour storm unknownst