"You were," said Bob, who had once seen his mother faint. "Now, if you'll let us, we can carry you to the nearest house, and get a doctor."
"I'm sure I'm very much obliged to you nice boys," spoke the elderly lady, "but I do not believe you can carry me. I am pretty heavy."
"We're strong," declared Sammy. "We play football!" he added, proudly.
"Well, I think I can walk," the lady went on, "though I may have to lean on your shoulders. I should not have come out without my rubbers to-day, but I did not think it was going to snow. I guess Winter has set in now, and I rather dread it."
The boys thought this strange. To them Winter was one of their jolly seasons, when they had much fun. They did not stop to think that the poor and the old do not like the hard cold of Winter.
"If you will let me take hold of your hands," went on the elderly lady, "I think I can get to my feet. Then you may be able to help me to one of those houses."
She held up her hands as she spoke. Sammy took one and Frank the other, while Bob lifted her at the shoulders.
"Now!" she exclaimed, in a stronger voice than she had used before, "all together, and I'll be up!"
The boys pulled and pushed, and slowly the old lady was gotten to her feet. She swayed unsteadily for a moment, and leaned heavily on Frank.
Just then, a window in the nearest house was opened, and a woman, leaning out, called:
"Bring her right over here, boys. I'll look after her. I'll come and help you. Are you much hurt, Mrs, Blake? I just happened to sec you."
"No, thank you, I'm not much hurt. I think I'm all right,
