"Well!" McDonald took time to think, "they are a bit, but nothing to be afraid of. I can manage them."
"Oh, of course you can!" Polly said, with so much conviction that the old man beamed with pride.
"All in!" Betty called, "and all aboard! Move your foot, Lo. I want one side of Connie."
"Where are we going?" somebody asked.
"Out towards Eagle's Nest," Polly answered. "The roads are not used out there and it ought to be good for sleighing."
"We're off."
"Cheer once for Seddon Hall," Betty commanded and was promptly obeyed. "Now for Connie. We've time for one song before we reach the village," she said, after Connie had been lustily cheered. "Everybody sing."
They reached the foot of the hill, and the horses broke into a quick trot—the bells on their harness jingled merrily in the crisp, cold air. It was a wonderful night. The moon was almost full, and its brilliant rays, falling on the white snow, made it sparkle like millions of stars.
"Are you quite comfy, Miss Crosby?" Lois asked. "There's a rug around here, somewhere, if you're cold."
"Thanks! I don't need it; I'm as warm as toast. My feet are lost somewhere in the straw. I feel as if I were back in Alaska again," Miss Crosby said, "only the horses should be dogs."