And Tell lay down, with his nose on his paws, and both nose and paws pressed close to the crack on the threshold. Another long crescendo moan, that, at the last, sounded like a sharp wail, filled the long-room, and Budd and Cherry clung to their mother in terror.
"You must go to bed, children," said Mrs. Blossom, her face white as the snow on the window panes, but with a voice of forced calm. "When you 're asleep, you won't hear all this trouble the storm is raising to-night."
"But I don't want to sleep upstairs alone without March, Martie," protested Budd, trying to be brave, but showing his fear.
"You can sleep in Hazel's room to-night, Budd, and Cherry can get into my bed and sleep with me."
The twins looked relieved. "Oh, that's different, Martie," said Budd, with a grateful look. Cherry begged for a little cotton wool to stuff in her ears:--"Then I can't hear Tell and this awful noise." A novel idea, which Budd at once adopted and put into practice. Their mother looked relieved when they were safely bestowed in their new quarters.
About ten minutes afterwards they heard Chi's steps in the shed. Then the door opened slowly, as he shoved Tell aside. When he entered the room Mrs. Blossom gave one look at his face.
"Oh, Chi, what has happened!" She cried out as if hurt.
Chi's face showed grayish white and drawn in the lamplight. His hand shook a little as he reached for a second lantern, turning his back on the three terrified faces.
"Horse stalled, that's all. Had a tough tussle to get him round, but he 's all right now." His voice sounded hoarse.
"Was it Bob or Bess?" asked Rose.