"Yeth, becauthe Buthter ith--" Tommy, remembering her promise, checked
herself. The three started up the road at a brisk trot. Reaching the
main road, Harriet led them about, then began running back toward the
water.

"Look out for the water," warned Jane shrilly, after they had been
going for a few minutes. But her warning came too late. Harriet, Tommy
and Margery had turned to the right after reaching the open. The three
fell in with a splash and a chorus of screams. The water was shallow
and there was no difficulty in getting out, but the girls now were as
wet as before, and shivering more than ever. At this juncture the
guardian took a hand. She directed them to walk up and down the road
in orderly fashion, which they did, shivering, their teeth chattering
and the water dripping from their clothing. Reaching the main highway
the guardian turned out on this, walking her charges a full mile in
the direction they had been following before turning off into the
byway.

"This part of the country appears to be deserted," she said. "I think
we had better return. In the morning we will try to find some one."

"Thave me!" moaned Tommy. "Mutht we thtay here in our wet clotheth all
night?"

"I fear so. What else is there for us to do?"

"But let uth get our dry clotheth and put them on," urged Tommy. The
girls laughed at her.