“Well, what’s this?” he called out in astonishment.
Just then the girls did not know that the man was Mr. Stone. He wore a cap with ear muffs and a heavy mackinaw. His feet were protected by heavy shoes which came nearly to his knees.
“Oh, mister! Please tell us where we are!” Connie cried as she caught sight of the trapper. “We think we’re lost.”
“You’re cold,” observed Mr. Stone, staring at the two girls. “Now tell me your names and where you live.”
Connie told him that she and Veve were staying at the Gordon farmhouse and had become separated from their friends after leaving the Stone cabin.
“Why, that’s my place!” exclaimed the trapper. “You’re not far from there now, or the main road. Just follow me.”
Connie and Veve no longer were worried because they were confident Mr. Stone would take care of them. Hustling them along at a brisk pace, he went ahead to break the wind and snow. Walking was hard work, but much easier than it had been before.
Connie asked the trapper what road they were on.
“Just a little side cut that runs up to Mr. Jeffert’s evergreen farm. The main road is across the field to the left. We’ll soon be there.”
Mr. Stone helped the girls over a fence, and aided them whenever they had to plunge through especially large drifts.