“How are you going to get across the river, young ladies?” he wanted to know. “The highway bridge is a mile through the woods.”
“But we know all about this river,” spoke up Tavia. “There are stepping stones across it right below this old railroad bridge. We’ve been across them before—haven’t we, Doro?”
“In the summer,” her friend admitted.
“Well, you can try it,” said the conductor. “That bridge is going to be unstable, even if they get the fire out. A train may not cross from either side before to-morrow.”
“Oh!” cried Ned Ebony, “we could never wait that long!”
“Come on!” commanded Tavia, leading the way into a path beside the railroad tracks. “Let’s at least see if the stones are uncovered.”
“You’ll probably find transportation from Belding to the Glen,” said the conductor, as the girls started on.
“Come on, now,” said Tavia. “Let’s show our pluck. Who’s afraid of a little water?”
“I’m always seasick on the water,” murmured Cologne.
“Never heard of anybody being troubled by mal de mer going over stepping stones,” snorted Tavia, in disgust. “Come on!”