Sadie’s preparations for the night were very simple.
She curled herself in the corner opposite Josiah, pulled her hat yet farther down on her head to serve as a screen against the wind which came in through the many crevices, and said “good-night.”
“Good-night,” Josiah replied absently, wondering how it was that a frail girl like his new acquaintance could accustom herself to such hardships; and then, thinking more earnestly than ever before of his own rest-inviting bed with its lavender-scented sheets at home, he followed her example.
It was the first time in his life he had ever attempted to pass a night on the floor; and, despite the hardness of the boards, he slept soundly until awakened by a shrill voice raised high in threatening tones.
Springing to his feet, it was several seconds before he fully realized where he was; and then the rays of the rising sun falling directly athwart the sleeping girl, served to clear from his mind the bewilderment caused by the sudden outburst.
Mother Hunter was awake, and, if such a thing could be possible, looked even more hideous than when asleep.
She was moving excitedly about the room, calling upon Sadie in no gentle tones, and evidently searching for something which could not be found.
“Who are you?” she asked, seeing Josiah for the first time.
“I’m a feller from Berry’s Corner. I met Sadie last night, an’ came back here with her ’cause it was too late to find Tom an’ Bob.”
By this time the girl had awakened, and she said quickly:—