There was a moment of such suspense as might have frozen that storm and thus subdued its fury.
“We will have to go out and look for her,” said Miss Mackin. “Button your coats tight and don’t leave each other. Each two take a lantern” (these had been quickly lighted and taken from their emergency line), “we must surely find her very near. She can’t really have blown away.”
They were down the steps, breathing hard and—yes—praying!
Darling little chubby Madaline! What could have happened to her?
The last girl had scarcely stepped down from the uncertain shelter of the tent when there was a call from within.
“Girls! Girls! Looking for me?”
It was Madaline’s voice and she was in that tent!
“Where have—you been?”
“Oh, Madie, we were almost dead!”
“Madaline, Madaline! We thought you were gone!” The chorus was hysterical.