Amy awoke with a start shortly after midnight. She knew this because a light left burning low in the living room shone on a small clock. And as the girl listened she heard a crunching sound out on the frozen snow.
"Some one is trying to get in the cabin!" was the fearsome conclusion to which she jumped. Then in her fright she called: "Betty—Mollie! Wake up!"
Mollie was the first to rouse.
"What is it?" she asked, sitting up in bed.
"Some one outside—they're walking around the cabin. I'm sure they're trying to get in. Oh, please call Mr. Franklin, or the boys! I'm so frightened!"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mollie. "Wait until I take a look. No use sounding a false alarm."
Grace and Betty wakened at the sound of the others' voices, and asked what was going on.
"I'll look out and see what it," volunteered Betty, her room being nearest the window. She slipped from bed and a moment later called:
"Sillies! It's nothing but Mr. Franklin's dog keeping guard around the house. He's walking like a sentinel. Go to sleep, all of you."
"Oh, I'm so relieved!" murmured Amy, but it was some time before she closed her eyes again for an uninterrupted slumber.