CHAPTER XII.
The Spelling-Bee Young Mr.Higgins found his companion bubbling over with vivacity.

Her pretty chin was in the air and every word bore the promise of a laugh.
He afterward recalled one little incident of their walk through the frosty night, and repeated it to Anderson Crow with more awe than seemed necessary.

They were passing the town pump on their way to the post-office.

The street was dark and deserted.
"Gosh!" said Ed, "I bet the town pump's froze up!" "It doesn't seem very cold," she said brightly.
"Gee! it's below zero! I bet 'Rast thinks it's pretty doggone cold up there by your gate." "Poor 'Rast! His mother should keep him indoors on nights like this." Ed laughed loud and long and a tingle of happiness shot through his erstwhile shivering frame.

"I'm not a bit cold," she went on.