“Well, I guess it thaws some time in every month,” declared Fred. “Every winter month, that is,” he added, remembering the changing seasons.
“Well, this is the January thaw,” insisted Margy. “It will be January to-morrow, and so it is really time.”
When they reached the hill, they found a number of coasters, though it was more slush than snow. The runners sent up fine streams of water as the sleds raced down, and in the ditches on either side of the road a rushing stream of snow water was pouring.
“Maybe it’s spring,” gasped Jess, as a splash of water struck her in the face.
“No, we’ll have lots more snow and ice yet,” said Fred. “But I don’t call this much fun, do you? Let’s go home and go up in the clubroom.”
They were half-soaked already, and no one made any objections to returning home. Mrs. Marley made them take off their wet shoes and put on dry ones, and then they went upstairs to play parcheesi in the clubroom.
“There won’t be much left of Riddle Chap after this,” remarked Polly, happening to glance from the window while waiting her turn to play.
“Say, he has gone down, hasn’t he?” said Jess, in surprise.
“He’s wasting away,” giggled Polly. “Poor old Riddle Chap! But he’s had a pretty long life for a snowman.”
The poor snowman was visibly melting. Trickles of water ran over him and he seemed to be sinking into the ground.