"I will split it up," said Harry; "I know where the axe is kept." This was some relief. Permission was granted, and in a few minutes the vigorous blows of the axe were heard, and soon he returned with a glowing face and a big armful of wood. Miss Grey called for quiet and began to tell her story. Never was story-telling so hard; she could not collect her thoughts; she could not think of a single thing that would interest that frightened crowd. The blizzard--the horror of it--the dread of what it might bring to these children under her charge--then the terrors of hunger and cold, and panic of fear, which seemed impossible to prevent, almost deprived her of her reason. She felt a strong impulse to run away, to fling herself into the very thick of the storm and perish. Then a glance at the intelligent and fearless face of Harry gave her new courage. "Harry," she said, in a low tone, "you are the oldest here--you must help me. Can't you tell a story while I try to think?" "I don't know," hesitated Harry. "Do think!" she said earnestly; "these children will work themselves into a panic, and then how can we manage them!" "Well perhaps I can," said Harry, pleased to be her helper; then after a moment, "I guess I can; I'll tell them about a bear I saw once in the woods." "Oh, do!" said Miss Grey, sinking back in her chair. In a moment Harry began, and as the story was really a thrilling one and he told it with enthusiasm, the children quieted down and listened. Meanwhile Miss Grey had somewhat recovered herself and made some definite plans for the rest of the day. When the story ended with the sensational end of the bear, the details of which Harry enlarged upon till they became very exciting, Miss Grey was calm again. Thanking Harry, she then proposed to tell a story herself, when a faint little voice spoke up, "Oh, I'm so hungry," and was echoed by many more, "So 'm I." This was the most pressing trouble, as Miss Grey well knew. With Harry at the axe, they could be kept warm; but how to satisfy their hunger! She had a plan, however. "Did any of you have any dinner left in your baskets?" she asked. Two or three said that they had, when she ordered all baskets and pails to be brought to her. Even when all were emptied there was a very meagre supply for a dozen hearty, country appetites, and her heart sank; but, telling those who had anything that of course what there was must be divided between all, she portioned it out as well as she could, leaving none for herself. "But you have nothing yourself!" said Harry, who was distributing the small supply. "Oh, I don't want anything," said Miss Grey. "Nor I either," said Harry; "I'll give up my share." "You'd better not, Harry," said Miss Grey, with a smile of thanks; "you are young." "Yes, and strong," said Harry, adding his small portion to the others. "I guess I can stand it if you can." "Thank you, Harry; I don't know what I should do without you."