Without further thought of danger to themselves, the chums skated forward swiftly, the long fringed ends of their scarfs flying out behind them and their bodies thrown eagerly forward.
“Maybe somebody is drowning!”
“It’s some great peril, you may be sure of that—otherwise they wouldn’t scream so.”
“They are children!”
“Yes, and little ones at that, if I am any judge of voices.”
Thus talking excitedly the girls skated forward along the lake shore. Then came a sudden scream from Vi. She had skated too close to an overhanging tree and a branch caught in her hair as she tried to sweep past.
“Wait! wait!” she cried. “Don’t leave me behind!”
“What’s the trouble?” came simultaneously from the others.
“I’m caught—my hair is fast in the tree.”
“Pull yourself loose,” cried Billie. “Hurry, do! Oh, just listen to those cries!” she added, as scream after scream rent the wintry air.