Debby and Kitty made up the rest of the party, the other three having been unable to come. It was a long walk—the latter half principally a climb—before they reached the little disused cabin standing on a bit of woodland clearing, far up on one of the hills back of Woodford.
It was a mild day, with a soft haze blurring the view from the high point on which the cabin stood; but the four girls sitting on an old log before the door were not greatly disappointed. They had come for the mere pleasure of the coming; and now they rested, contentedly enjoying the apples which Blue Bonnet had supplied—it being her week to provide the refreshments, which were always a part of these Saturday afternoon tramps.
“Apples are all very well,” Kitty remarked, taking a second one, “but—”
“I know you’d rather have candy,” Blue Bonnet said, her face reddening; “but I hadn’t any money—I sha’n’t have any before the first of the month. I’ll treat twice running then, to make up. Aunt Lucinda won’t let me borrow; I—she said so this morning.”
“You’ve spent all your allowance for this month?” Kitty cried.
“I’ve—used it. There’s Alec.” Blue Bonnet pointed to the winding road down below. Alec was coming towards them on Victor.
“He hasn’t seen us yet,” Debby said; “doesn’t he look tired?”
“It’s too long a ride for him—it’s a great deal longer by the road,” Kitty declared. “Alec isn’t strong, but he won’t give in. Papa says his will power is wonderful.”
Alec had seen them now. Presently he came round the curve, throwing himself off his horse with an involuntary sigh of weariness. “What are you all doing up here—and where are the rest of you?” he asked.
“Having a good time,” Blue Bonnet told him.