“That’s great!” said Frank, “and that name will drive the girls wild, for they’ll never guess what it means.”

And so the “Order of the Moon” was established then and there, and to the credit of the boys be it said that the fine purpose for which it was started was faithfully carried out.

CHAPTER XIV

TINY ELSA

It was the usual custom for Ruth and Arthur to play together for an hour after dinner, and they had just got fairly under way one evening when Arthur stopped in the middle of a measure and began to count the fire alarm.  In a small town every one listens when an alarm is struck, and many go to the fire.

“Sixty-five,” said Arthur, as the sound died away on the air.  “That’s in the factory settlement, isn’t it, father?”

“Yes,” answered his father, counting again as a second alarm sounded.  “Get on a warm coat, Ruth. and we’ll see what’s burning.”

“Why don’t you let John take you in the sleigh,” suggested Mrs. Hamilton, “and then Arthur can go with you.”  She had been quick to notice the regret in Arthur’s face, for now that he was beginning to get out again he longed to do everything the others did.

“Oh, mother, they can’t wait for John to harness,” he said quickly, as his father hesitated before replying.  “If they did the fire would be out.”

“That’s right, son.  Very likely it’s not much of a fire anyway, but a little run in this frosty air won’t hurt Ruth and me.  Are you warmly dressed, little girl; overshoes on and mittens?” added Mr. Hamilton, as Ruth came down-stairs.

“Very warmly dressed, Uncle Henry.  I’ve got so much on that probably I shan’t be able to run at all.”

Once out in the cold, starlit night none of the warm garments seemed superfluous, and Ruth ran and walked by turns in order to keep up with Mr. Hamilton’s long strides.  As they reached Mr. Marshall’s house Dorothy and her father and Frank joined them, and just ahead they could see the Ellsworth boys with Betty and Charlotte.

“Some one says it’s that old brown house that was almost ready to fall to pieces anyway,” said Jack coming up behind them with Phil.

“Was any one living there?” asked Mr. Marshall.

“I saw some children playing out in the yard when I drove by the other day,” answered Frank.  “Come on, boys, let’s run for it,” he added, as a turn in the road enabled them to see the fire.

“Isn’t it dreadful?” shuddered Ruth as, with fascinated gaze, she watched the flames fasten hungrily upon one part after another of the doomed house, and sweep into the air as though exulting in their triumph.  “Do you suppose these other houses will have to go too?”

“I hardly think so,” answered Mr. Hamilton.  “They are beginning to get the fire under, and they are keeping the other roofs wet.”

“Stay here with the girls and Mr. Hamilton, Dolly,” said Mr. Marshall suddenly.  “I want to go over and talk to some of these people.”