CHAPTER VIII.
The storm continued through the night but had ceased before the guests at Ion were astir; the ground was thickly carpeted with snow and clouds still obscured the sun, but there was no wind and the cold was not severe.
"Just the day for a snow fight," remarked Frank Dinsmore, as he and the other lads of the company stood grouped together on the veranda shortly after breakfast; "plenty of snow and in prime condition for making into balls." "So it is," said Herbert Travilla, "and I believe I'm boy enough yet to enjoy a scrimmage in it." "I too," said Harold.

"Let's build a fort, divide ourselves into two armies, one besiege and the other defend it." The proposition was received with enthusiasm and the work of erecting the snow fort begun at once.
Some of the girls wanted to help, but were told their part was to look on.
"I can do more than that," said Rosie, and darting into the house, she presently returned with a small flag.

"Here, plant this on your ramparts, Harold," she said, "if you are to defend the fort." "I don't know yet to which party I shall belong--besiegers or besieged--but I'm obliged for the flag and shall plant it as you advise," he said.
The girls amused themselves snowballing each other, occasionally pausing to watch the progress the lads were making, the older people doing the same from the veranda or the windows of the mansion.
The boys were active and soon had their fort--not a large one--constructed, and the flag planted and waving in a slight wind that had sprung up.
Lulu standing on the veranda steps, clapped her hands in delight as it was flung to the breeze and started "That Star Spangled Banner," all the others joining in and singing with a will.
Then the lads divided themselves into two companies, Harold taking command of the defenders of the fort, Chester of the attacking party.
"There are not enough of you fellows," called Sydney; "you'd better let us girls help prepare the ammunition.

Women have done such things when men were scarce." "So they have," replied Chester.

"I'll accept such assistance from you while you stand back out of danger." "Then we girls will have to divide into two companies," said Rosie; "for the boys in the fort must have the same kind of help the others do.
I'll go to them." "No, no," said Harold, "this is going to be too much of a rough and tumble play for girls.