"I'm not afraid of anything," Judy replied, and Molly knew she spoke the truth, for Judy was the most fearless girl she had ever known.
When they reached the summit of the hill, they began calling at the tops of their voices, "Nance! Nance Oldham!"
There was no answer and not in all the broad expanse of whiteness could they see a human being.
"I wish I knew what to do," exclaimed Molly, growing more and more uneasy. "Suppose she has been injured—suppose—suppose——"
"There they are!" cried Judy. "The young rascals, I believe they are utterly oblivious to time."
Far over the ice appeared the two figures. They were not skating but walking, and several times before they reached the girls they slipped and fell down.
"You are a nice pair," cried Judy. "Don't you know it's way after hours and everybody is in bed long ago?"
"Why, Nance, dear, what has happened? Why are you walking?" asked Molly, who was rarely known to scold anybody.
"I am very sorry," said Nance stiffly. "I couldn't help it. The heel of my shoe came off and I couldn't skate. Mr. McLean——"
Judy smiled mischievously.