ety of it.

They were driving along pretty fast, for the streets had become hard and
smooth by the continual passing of so many teams; but the speed only added
to their pleasure, and no one had a thought of a possible mishap. As they
turned a corner the sleigh gave a sudden slew, and instantly all hands
found themselves on the ground in one grand, promiscuous heap, the shrill
screams of the girls adding to the general confusion. Lancy landed on his
feet, and quickly brought the horses to a standstill, and it took but an
instant to right the sleigh on its runners again. With quick movements Hugh
and Fred picked up their scattered belongings, and helped the girls back
into their seats, making many anxious inquiries as to whether any of them
were hurt, and they drove rapidly away before a crowd had time to gather.
The girls were breathless with laughter and excitement; it had all happened
so suddenly they had not time to realize their awkward predicament before
they were back into their places again. Lancy was the only one who did not
laugh over their tumble, and his frequent apologies made them feel that he
blamed himself for the catastrophe.

"Lancy," said Fred, at last, "it was not your fault that we spilled over;
that corner was as smooth as glass, and we _had_ to go, but we are not
hurt a bit, so don't take it to heart. Man alive! it was the crowning event
of the evening to see Hugh sliding off on his ear! Did you have time to
make an observation of my remarkable somersault, Hugh? It was cleverly
done; a professional tumbler could not have done it better!" and Lancy was
obliged to join in the laugh that followed.

"Well, I have picked up quite an assortment," said Dexie, whose lap was
full of articles she had hastily swept from the ground when she rose to her
feet. "This is your muff, Maud, and this fur glove must be yours, Mr.
McNeil. Now, who claims this silk handkerchief and handbag?"

The handkerchief proved to have come from Nina's pocket, but no one claimed
the handbag.

"I have still a fur-lined driving-glove, with a crown on the buttons, a
bunch of keys, and a--something in a jewel case. Will the owners please
prove property and pay expenses?"

Fred put in a claim for the bunch of keys, but an owner was still wanted
for the handbag, driving-glove and jewel case, which, on examination,
proved to contain a handsome gold watch.

"Someone else must have been spilled out at the corner besides ourselves, I
ex