There was no doubt, however, but that the blinding storm
was largely responsible for the accident.
An examination proved that both sleighs would have to be
abandoned, and then the two parties sought shelter at a near-by
farmhouse, while Mr. Laning went off on one horse, and the livery-
stable driver on another, each to borrow a sleigh elsewhere.
This left the boys in the company of the girls for over an hour,
and during that time Dick, Tom and Sam asked a great many
questions, especially about Mrs. Stanhope and Dora.
"Yes, the marriage is to come off next week, Thursday, unless
something prevents it," said Nellie. "Dora is fairly sick over
the prospect. What Aunt Lucy can see in Mr. Crabtree is more than
any of us can understand."
"He must have hypnotized her," observed, Dick. "It's a shame! I
wish old Crabtree was in Jericho!"
"So do all of us!" laughed Grace, and then Sam took her off for a
quiet chat, while Tom, monopolized Nellie.
"Those Rover boys think a great deal of the Lanings and
Stanhopes," observed Larry to Fred. "Well, it's all right -- they
are awfully nice girls, every one of 'em!"
CHAPTER XXIII
BALLOTING FOR A SECOND LIEUTENANT
"Back to Putnam Hall at last! How home-like the place looks!" Sam
uttered the words as he leaped from the sleigh and ran for the
main entrance, where Captain Putnam stood to receive them.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192