Jim was the first to approach the cabin and when they crowded behind him there were mingled exclamations of disgust and disappointment. A layer of dust lay over everything and there were dirt and filth in abundance. But the sight of a fireplace and plenty of dry wood ready to flame up at the spurt of a match heartened them somewhat.
“First of all,” Jim said, “I’ll sweep the place. There’s a makeshift broom over there in the corner. You all wait outside.”
So there was nothing for the others to do but go back out into the rain until Jim and Tom could restore the place to some semblance of cleanliness.
“We’ll tie the horses back of the cabin,” Virginia proposed, to keep them busy.
“Feeling tired?” Gale asked anxiously of Valerie as the two walked side by side, leading their mounts.
Valerie nodded, forcing a smile. “No worse than you, I expect.”
Again Gale felt a thrill of admiration for her friend who was so cheerfully determined to fight her way back to strong, ruddy health.
“The minute the cabin is respectable, you shall sit down and not stir again tonight,” she declared.
“I’ll help get supper,” Valerie corrected.