Lois felt like a hypocrite, but she went on to explain:
"It's about coasting," she said. "You see, Mrs. Baird has asked us to tell all the new girls that are not used to such a dangerous hill, that they must coast on the small hill by the pond. Of course some of them are not even able to do that, and they ought to be watched." Lois stopped—took a long breath and looked appealingly at Polly.
"We thought you might be willing to go over and coast there, and sort of keep an eye out that no one is hurt," Polly said, coming to her rescue. "We'll be so busy here."
"Why we'd love to," Jane said eagerly.
"We don't mind a bit," Phylis protested. "Are we to tell them to stop if we see any one that's reckless?"
"Mercy! No!" Lois exclaimed. She had a sudden vision of these two youngsters using their authority at every possible excuse. "That would hurt their feelings. Just use lots of tact and perhaps show them what to do, but not in a—in a—"
"I know," laughed Jane. "You mean don't be fresh the way we were to Fanny. We won't."
"Oh," Polly sighed when they had hurried off. "What a wonder you are, Lois, and they really will help."
"Of course they will. Good gracious! Here comes Fanny."
From where they stood they could see the long stretch of the hill, just before the curve. Fanny, sitting bolt upright, an unforgivable sin—in Polly's eyes—was whirling down it. She had apparently lost all control of her sled. Polly and Lois held their breath.