“I’m going to see if I can’t,” said Ned.
“Same here,” came from the heavy-weight youth.
The party, increased by late comers, was more jolly than before, and laughter and jokes made the hours pass so pleasantly that when twelve o’clock boomed out on the chiming time-piece of the club, there was a chorus of cries from the girls.
“Oh! How late it is!” almost screamed Mollie Horton.
“And mother told me to be sure and be home by eleven,” came from Alice. “We must start, girls.”
The majority of boys and girls lived in the same neighborhood. They paired off, as young folks will, when they approach the age of sentiment, and by two marched down the now quiet streets of Cresville, singing snatches of songs. It was a bright moon-light night, and the young people enjoyed every moment of it.
Ned, who had no sister to worry about, had asked permission to take Alice Vines home. She lived some distance from the others, though her route was the same as theirs for a little way. When it came time for Alice and Ned to take another path, they bade their companions good-night, and started off down the street together. Alice lived about half a mile from the parting of the ways, and Ned thought the distance all too short.
“I’ve had a very pleasant time,” said Alice, when she reached her gate. “Thank you very much for bringing me home.”
“The pleasure was all mine, I assure you,” said Ned with a gallant bow, whereat Alice laughed.
Then Ned started home alone. His way lay past the Judson iron mill, a rather lonesome part of the town, but Ned did not care. Once he wished he had brought his new rifle along, instead of leaving it at the club house. Then he laughed to himself at his fears.