"I thought I heard some one call," apologized Joe, again taking his place in front of the heater.
"There is some one calling," declared little Roger. "I just heard them."
"Well, I guess we had better give up the gas business," said Nat impatiently, "and you kids might as well go out and interview the night air." And with this he threw down the long-stemmed pipe, which broke into a dozen pieces. Then, while the younger boys made their way back to the kitchen, Nat started for the yard.
"My, it's cold!" he could not help exclaiming as he stepped out into the clear, frosty air.
Then he brushed against something.
"It's a wonder you wouldn't knock me down!" came a voice, struggling between cold and laughter.
"Tavia!" he gasped, recognizing the tones in spite of the chattering teeth and the forced laughter.
"Yes, it's yours truly, Nat. And for gracious' sake, do let me in. What isn't frozen is paralyzed."
"Where in the world did you come from?" asked the astonished boy as he led the way to the side door.
"From some place too dark for the earth and too cold for—any other place. I think, it must have been Mars," Tavia finished, "and Mrs. Mars forgot to light the lamps."