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 fire when you get the wood ? '' asked Ruth , a practical damsel , who looked well after her own creature comforts and was longing for a warm supper . `` Papa hides the matches in a tin box , so the rats wo n't get at them . Here they are , and two or three bits of candle for the sticks on the chimney-piece , if he forgets to have the lantern trimmed . Now we will light up , and look cosey when the boys come back . '' 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 XXXXX , but made light of the affair , because she saw Rita looked timid , and Gus shivered till his teeth chattered .
Gus Gwen Pat Patrick Rita blunderbuss buffalo-robe cosey fire storm