Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/141

124 mountaineer dreads. Their clothing was now wet through and through, and their teeth chattered.

After a while Roy heard Willie sobbing softly to himself. He put an arm about him tenderly.

"Don't, please!" he begged. Willie caught him in a tight hug.

"I did n't mean to, Roy, truly, but I 'm afraid! Yes, I am! I wish we were back at the Manse. You must not be angry; I can't help it I "

"I 'm not a bit angry." If Roy had told what was in his heart, he, too, longed to be at the Manse. He saw what a mad thing it had been,—this running away. But he was too proud to allow it. Besides, he had led his brother into it, and he must keep calm and brave, whatever came.

He held Willie closer. What if this chill and fright should make him ill? Willie had always been the delicate one—the one mother had worried about.