These three leaders of boydom in Gridley began to ply their shovels vigorously, starting from a point in the path already made to the spring.

Working through drifts, in some instances more than six feet deep, it was slow work.

After twenty minutes they went back to the cabin, Greg, Harry and Dan coming out to take up the work.
Hen Dutcher was still toiling hard, for he had concluded that industry was the only way to save himself unpleasant happenings.
"How soon are you fellows going to knock off and begin to think about dinner ?" demanded Hen.
"When we get good enough appetites, I suppose," laughed Dick.
"Appetites ?" sniffed Dutcher.

"Huh! I could eat one side of a beef critter, right now." "Go out in the snow and help one of the fellows, then," advised Tom dryly.

"After that you'll be able to eat the whole critter." "But when are you going to eat ?" insisted Hen.