Now Connie felt very happy to think that she had been credited with clearing up the misunderstanding between Grandmother Gordon and Mrs. Stone. She knew too, that recovery of the gold locket meant a great deal to her.
Throughout the day, with plenty of firewood available, the house was kept quite comfortable. The girls made repeated trips to the attic, sorting out clothing which could be sent to the Stone children.
Wind rattled the windows and cold crept in at the cracks. After a quick foray in the attic, the Brownies were grateful for the warmth of the downstairs fire.
“I hope our wood holds out,” Grandmother Gordon said anxiously. “And our food.”
Although the Brownies were glad to share their meager supplies with the Stones, they knew that the stock of provisions rapidly was running lower and lower.
However, everyone was hopeful that somehow Grandfather Gordon would get home with the bobsled.
“The sun is shining,” Connie observed cheerfully as the day wore on.
“And the wind is dying,” added Jane, scraping a patch of frost from the window pane so that she could look outdoors.
By late afternoon everyone was encouraged to see that the snow no longer drifted. Nevertheless, huge mountains of it remained piled up near the porches and in the yard. Slowly the thermometer began to climb.
“The big plow should come through soon and open up the main roads,” declared Mrs. Gordon. “I do believe luck will be with us for Christmas after all.”
Her words brought good cheer to the Brownies. Gathering in the living room, they drove the blues away with several rousing songs.
“Here comes the snowplow!” Veve suddenly shouted.
All the Brownies rushed to the window to see the welcome sight. The plow swept past on the main road, throwing up tall ridges of powdery snow on either side.
“Grandfather Gordon and Mr. Jeffert should be able to get through now,” declared Miss Gordon in relief.
Her prediction proved entirely right. Almost on the heels of the big plow came the two men, their sled loaded with groceries and Christmas packages.
Stomping into the kitchen, Mr. Jeffert and Grandfather Gordon brushed snow from their overcoats. Then they related astonishing news.
“What do you know!” declared Mr. Jeffert, rocking back on his heels as he warmed himself by the kitchen stove. “After trying for two years to learn who has been stealing evergreens from my farm, I’ve caught the fellow!”