One by one, they came into sight, in the wavering light of the street lamp, and melted into the dark under the bridge; Ed, in his white sweater, captaining them, and keenly aware of it; Rena and Natalie, with the larger market basket between them; Willard, bulky in two sweaters, and tenderly shielding his lantern with a third, and Judith. Her face showed pale with excitement against the scarlet of her hood. One hand plucked vainly at Willard's sleeve; he stalked on, and would not turn. Only these five, but they had consulted and organized and reorganized for half an hour in the Drews' barn before they started, and had hung only three May-baskets yet. However, the adventure was under way now.
"Willard, now it's my turn to carry the lantern."
"Judy, you can't."
"Why?"
"It might explode." The feeble flame gave one dispirited upward spurt at this encouragement, causing excitement in front.
"Oh, Ed!"
"Ed, make him put it out."
"Rena and Nat, you keep still. Judy's not scared, are you Judy?"
"The lantern's a sick looking sight, and he can carry it if he wants to, but we don't need it."