The girls were delighted with this suggestion, for it reminded them of their freedom, but they did not wish to act upon it. They were still weary, and their feet were sore; the prospect of rest was alluring.
“No, thanks, I think it would be nicer to stay on the porch, and take it easy,” said Marjorie. “Have you any books, Mrs. Brown?”
“No books,” she replied; “but a travellin’ man left me some sample copies of magazines here a month or two ago. Want ’em?”
“Yes, indeed!” answered Marjorie; and Mrs. Brown promptly brought them.
All the afternoon the girls sat in the rickety, yet comfortable rocking chairs on the porch, and read the stories in the magazines. If they had not reached the goal of their desire, they were at least content.
Supper was ready about seven o’clock—by real time; for Mrs. Brown had switched the clock back while they were reading—and she gave them a very good meal. The girls enjoyed it immensely; and after supper they helped her with the dishes, walked around the farm with her brother, and went early to bed, with the promise of being awakened at five the next morning.
Their disappointment came, however, when Frieda awoke to find it broad daylight. She had no way of telling time, but she knew by the sun that it was long after five o’clock.
“And today’s Tuesday!” she wailed. “Marj, we were fools to stay! The whole world is against us, I believe. Oh, do hurry!”
The girls dressed quickly and descended to the darkness below.
“Oh, what time is it, Mrs. Brown, and why didn’t you call us?” demanded Marjorie, in distress.