"This is not a matter to make light of, Hippy Wingate," rebuked Nora. "Of course you will go."
"Laundry, get my pony, and be lively about it," ordered Lieutenant Wingate.
While this was being done, and Hippy was looking to his rifle and revolver, Grace was explaining to him how to reach Holcomb over the broad wagon trail that they had followed during the last day of their journey. Nora, in the meantime, was packing her husband's kit with sufficient food, that had been picked up from the scattered remnants, to see him through the trip. Twenty minutes later they had started Hippy on his way.
"If I don't come back, remember that I had a price on my head," he called back to his companions.
"Pack up!" directed Grace. "We must move up near the Thompson cabin. It won't do for you girls to remain here alone."
"Where shall we camp?" asked Anne, a worried look on her face. "We have no tents fit for use."
"I don't know just yet, but they have a barn. Perhaps you might sleep there. I must stay with Elfreda, at least until the doctor comes."
All the girls began to prepare for moving, and finally their possessions were strapped in packs, some of which they placed on the backs of ponies, for they were one mule short, and moved up to Thompson's.
Bidding her companions wait outside, Grace went in and consulted with the mountaineer's wife.
"Yes, you folks will have to sleep in the barn," Grace informed them.