The farmer was home alone, but he knew how to make some hot coffee, which he speedily offered to all of the cadets.
Coulter could hardly drink, and it was a good half-hour before he felt at all like even speaking.

He was propped up in a big rocking-chair directly in front of the fire, and Andy and Pepper took turns at trying to restore his blood to circulation.

Jack was not so far gone, and soon felt quite like himself.

The wet uniforms were hung up to dry, Mr.Darwood in the meantime lending the lads some other garments.

He had been the one to cut the ice from the lake at that spot, so he felt in some measure responsible for the mishap, even though he had put up several danger signs, to which Ritter and Coulter had paid no attention.
"I don't know that we will care to skate back to the Hall," said Pepper.
"Mr.Darwood, could you take us back in your sleigh, if we paid you for it ?" "I'll take you back, and it shan't cost you a cent," answered the farmer, quickly.
"Hadn't we better find out what became of Reff Ritter ?" questioned Jack.
"I'll run over to the Saldy farm and see," answered Andy, and set off without delay.
While Andy was gone, Samuel Darwood went to the barn to hitch up his team.