"Push on until another shelter appears," said Dick. "We can't remain here, to be frozen to death." "Yes, but be careful that we don't get on to the lake again," cautioned Sam. "No fear of that, Sam." After the terrific blow which laid low the old barn, the wind appeared to let up a bit, and consequently moving was not so difficult. They struck out across the meadow, and presently gained a clump of trees. "Dis vos besser as noddings," said Hans. "Supposing ve stay here for der night?" "I'm going to see what's on the other side of the woods first," replied Dick, and stalked off, Tom at his heels. Presently the others heard both Rover boys set up a shout. "A house, fellows! Come on!" They made a rush forward, and soon they reached a stone fence. On the other side was what had been a planted field, and beyond this a house and several outbuildings. With hearts greatly lightened they climbed over the fence and made for the house. They were still some distance from the dwelling when they heard the bark of a dog. "Hullo! I hope he isn't loose," cried Frank. "But he is," ejaculated Tom; "and he is coming this way too!" "Du meine zeit!" shrieked Hans. "He vill chew us all up! Vot shall ve do?" And he looked ready to collapse. "Perhaps we can snowball him--" began Sam, when Dick set up another cry. "It's Laning's dog, boys. What fools we are! This is Mr. Laning's place." "Laning's place," burst out Tom. "Why, to be sure it is. And that is Leo! Leo! Leo! old boy, don't you know us?" he cried. On bounded the dog, and then began to bark again, but this time joyously. He came up to Tom and leaped all around him, wagging his brush as he did so. Then he came to Sam and to Dick, for he knew them all very well. "It's a good thing the old barn blew down," said Tom, for he could not help but think of the greeting the Laning girls would give him. They were soon at the back door of the farmer's cottage. It was opened by Mrs. Laning, who stared at them in astonishment. "Can we come in?" asked Dick. "We are nearly frozen." "Well, I never! Out in all this storm! It's a wonder the captain would allow it. Why, come in of course, and get thawed out by the fire." And then they went in to meet Mr. Laning, and also the two girls. Their story was soon told, and meanwhile the lady of the house prepared a hot supper for them. As they sat eating they discussed the question of whether it would be better to return to Putnam Hall that night or wait until morning. "I would say stay here," said Mr. Laning, "but Captain Putnam will be worried about you and start out in search of you." "That's just it," answered Dick. "I think one of us, at least, ought to return." "Let us draw straws for it," said Frank, and so it was agreed. From the Laning place each knew the road well, so there was no danger of going astray. Besides, the storm was now letting up in violence.