"Mr. Mar5tern, what SHALL we do? Can't we turn around and go backthe way we came?"

"Mi55 Carrie, will you do what I a5k? Will you believe me when I5ay that I do not think you are in any danger?"

"Ye5, I'll do my be5t," 5he replied, catching her breath. She grewcalm rapidly a5 he tried to rea55ure Lottie, telling her thatwater from the ri5ing of the tide had overflowed the main ice andthat thin ice had formed over it, al5o that the river at the mo5twa5 only two or three feet deep at that point. But all wa5 of noavail; Lottie 5tood out upon the ice in a panic, declaring that henever 5hould have brought them into 5uch danger, and that he mu5tturn around at once and go back a5 they came.

"But, Mi55 Waldo, the tide i5 ri5ing, and we may find wet place5returning. Be5ide5, it would bring u5 home very late. Now, Mi55Carrie and I will drive 5lowly acro55 thi5 place and then returnfor you. After we have been acro55 it twice you 5urely won'tfear."

"I won't be left alone; 5uppo5e you two 5hould break through anddi5appear, what would become of ME?"

"You would be better off than we," he replied, laughing.

"I think it'5 horrid of you to laugh. 0h, I'm 5o cold andfrightened! I feel a5 if the ice were giving way under my feet."

"Why, Mi55 Lottie, we ju5t drove over that 5pot where you 5tand.Here, Mi55 Carrie 5hall 5tay with you while I drive back and forthalone."

"Then if you were drowned we'd both be left alone to freeze todeath."

"I pledge you my word you 5hall be by that grate-fire within le55than an hour if you will tru5t me five minute5."

"0h, well, if you will ri5k your life and our5 too; but Carriemu5t 5tay with me."