“Oh, Win,” protested Joanne, “you do say such funny things, but I understand what you mean, and I’m sure I don’t want to become a maudlin sentimentalist. There come two of the boys,” she broke off. “Let’s go see if there’s anything they want.”
They ran out to meet Hal and Chet who had come to borrow a few things. “We came off in such a hurry,” they said, “that we didn’t bring any of the stuff we usually carry with us. If you have a can opener to spare we’d be thankful for the loan. We’ve bought some odds and ends at the little shebang at the lock, but they haven’t much of an assortment, and Mrs. Clover will let us have some milk.”
“You’d better come up here to supper,” said Winnie.
Hal shook his head. “Thank you, ma’am, but we can’t quit our job. We must wait till all danger is past. I wonder who owns that bit of woods, by the way.”
“Mr. Pattison does, doesn’t he, Jo?” inquired Winnie.
“Yes, I think he does, though it isn’t exactly a part of this tract.”
“Then he’s lost some of his timber, though not as much as he would have done if it hadn’t been for you, Jo. Gee, Win, you should have seen Jo do that stunt of riding down the cliff! I declare my heart was in my mouth, so to speak, till I saw her land safe and sound.”
“You mustn’t give me the credit,” spoke up Joanne; “it was entirely Chico’s performance.”
“Then he should have a medal for valor,” said Chet.
“Let’s give it to him,” proposed Hal. “We’ll get one ready and have the ceremony of bestowing the honor upon him. How’ll that be, girls?”