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 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 , XXXXX cheered the hearts of all by lighting two candles , rolling up the chairs , and making ready to be comfortable .
Gus Gwen Mike Pat Patrick Whist blunderbuss hour jabbers unknownst