“I don’t believe I like that Rowdy,” said Tess softly. “He—he’s real cruel. All boys are, I s’pose.”
“They have to be,” returned Sammy.
“Why?” demanded Tess, in wonder.
“’Cause girls are such softies,” declared the impolite Sammy.
They plunged ahead, wading far above their waists now. Behind the trees the hillside rose abruptly. It towered so above their heads in the snow that the children were almost scared. Suppose that hill of snow should tumble right down on top of them!
“Goodness!” exclaimed Tess, with some exasperation. “Where is your old cave?”
“Come on,” said Rowdy, patiently. “It’s here somewhere. But the old snow—Ye-e—yi, yi!” he suddenly yelled.
Faintly there came an answering voice—half smothered, wholly eerie sounding.
“Oh! Who’s that?” demanded Sammy.
“Him,” said Rowdy shortly.