The room was already crowded, but we squeezed them in, white from
scarcely more than a moment's exposure to the storm. Then we took
hold and gave the deck-hands a lift with my baggage, Merton showing
much manly spirit in his readiness to face the weather and the work.
My effects were soon piled up by themselves, and then we held a
council.

"Mrs. Durham'll hardly want to face this storm with the children,"
began Mr. Jones.

"Are you going home?" I asked.

"Yes, sir. I'd rather travel all night for the sake of being home in
the morning."

"To tell the truth I feel the same way," I continued, "but reason
must hold the reins. Do you think you could protect Mrs. Durham and
the children from the storm?"

"Yes, I think we could tuck 'em in so they'd scarcely know it was
snowin', and then we could sled your things up in the mornin'.
'Commodations on the landin' to-night will be pretty crowded."

"We'll let her decide, then."

When I explained how things were and what Mr. Jones had said, she
exclaimed, "Oh, let us go home."

How my heart jumped at her use of the word "home" in regard to a