last year."

"What I can't understand is why Tommy should have missed such an
opportunity to distinguish herself," smiled the guardian.

"I thtood athide tho Januth could dithtinguith himthelf," lisped Tommy.

"Well, I swum! I did it, too, didn't I? I'm not fit to guide a plow,
but I never found it out till I tried to pilot this outfit over the
hills."

"Are thethe the hillth?" questioned Tommy.

"Yes, Miss."

"Then, excuthe me from the mountainth."

"I believe my tumble has cured my sprained ankle," declared Hazel. "I
can't feel any pain at all there, except the smart where the skin is
broken. Let me put on my boot." Miss Elting slipped it on for her,
and assisted Hazel to her feet. "It is all right," cried the girl.
"Isn't that strange?"

"Yeth. Thome thingth make thome folkth forget thome other thingth,"
observed Tommy sagely. "Have you forgotten your troubleth, Harriet?"

"I think so, Tommy. I will race you up to the trail."

"No; I can't rathe you up a hill, though I can fall down the hill
fathter than you can, but I will help you up."

"I'll do all the helping," Janus informed them. "Shall I carry Miss
Holland?"

Hazel declared that she could walk and she did, with some assistance
from Miss Elting. The others were able to take care of themselves,
though Harriet's side pained her frightfully with every step. She
uttered no complaint, pluckily keeping her distress to herself, but the
guardian knew by the expression on the girl's face that she was in pain.

Returning to the party a brief conference was held, at which they
decided to proceed and make the "Slide" if possible before dark. There
was no possibility of getting beyond that, but on the following day it
would be necessary to make all haste, for the provisions would not hold
out for more than another day, and even then they would have to go on
short rations for the last two meals. It was a used-up party that
started for the "Slide" that afternoon. Had they but known it, they
were destined to be still more weary before they retired that night.
The excitement of the day was not by any means ended. Dusk was upon
them before they came out on more level ground and headed for the site
chosen for their camp.

CHAPTER XVI

"SUCH A LOVELY SLIDE"

"I believe I am tired out," declared Harriet laughingly. She sat down,
then straightened and lay at full length on the ground.

"Thank goodness for a level spot on which to lay one'