“Tell me what DYB means,” Veve coaxed.

“Can’t, Veve. It’s a Brownie secret, and Brownies never tell. Now if you were a member—”

“But I’m not,” said Veve a trifle crossly.

By this time the girls were quite close to Klingman’s Hill. They could see that the coasting place was nearly deserted. Much of the snow had melted, leaving ugly bare spots on the hill. Only a few boys and girls stood around looking very gloomy.

“Oh, Veve, no one is coasting!” cried Connie in12 disappointment. “We won’t be able to slide after all.”

12

“The snow always melts before we have a chance to coast,” grumbled Veve. “I’m getting sick of it.”

“So am I, Veve. But Miss Gordon says Brownies must learn to take disappointments.”

Veve frowned, for she disliked the advice. “All I ask is a little cold winter weather,” she mumbled.

Dragging their sleds, the two girls walked to the brow of the hill. Everywhere they could see patches of bare earth on the slope. Water trickled in the roadside ditches.

“Can’t coast here,” said a boy who stood near. “But there’s snow left on Kelly’s Hill. Most of the kids have gone there. That’s where I’m heading.” He started away with his sled.

Veve seized Connie’s hand. “Come on,” she urged. “Let’s go too.”

“But Kelly’s Hill isn’t roped off. Only the older boys coast there.”

“Who’s afraid?” scoffed Veve. “I want to use my sled at least once this winter.”

“Do you think the hill is safe?” Connie was troubled. While her mother had not forbidden her to go to the other coasting area, she wondered if she13 should. A Brownie, Miss Gordon had said, always was trustworthy and responsible.

13

“We can be careful,” Veve said. She started away.

“Wait!” called Connie.

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