"I don't deny he's a good chap," was Rupert's reply; "but I wish he wasn't quite so fussy."
"If Ken says the ice isn't safe, I shan't go," declared Marcia.
"Well, he has said so, you little goose; so you'd better stop at home." This from Gertie.
"No, I shan't; it'll be too lonely. If you go, I shall go."
And so it was settled, and before twenty minutes had elapsed, the three younger members of the Snowden family, unknown to either Nurse or Kenneth, were enjoying themselves to their hearts' content on Barwell's pond.
"What a silly Ken was to be afraid!" cried Gertie, her cheeks glowing with the exercise. "Why, the ice is as firm as a rock."
"Yes. I only wish I'd brought my skates," replied Rupert. "I will to-morrow if it lasts like this."
"Do you think mother would mind about our coming here this afternoon?" said Marcia, who possessed a very tender conscience. "I wish, somehow, we'd asked her first."
Gertie inwardly wished the same, but fear of Rupert's ridicule kept her silent.
Meanwhile, Kenneth was having a first-rate ramble with his beloved dog. He decided to return home by the roads which led round Barwell's Farm, these being in good condition for a run. This he did, and was very soon in close quarters to the pond.