midday
Do n't be foolish , '' snapped Madge . They at once found the retreat a perfect windbreak , and became comfortable -- all hugging together `` like a nestful of owlets , '' Helen said , and all declared themselves as `` warm as toast . '' But the wind howled mournfully through the wood , and the snow sifted down with a strange , mysterious `` hush -- hush -- hus-s-sh '' that made them feel creepy . Although it was not yet midday , the light was very dim under the thick branches of the tree . The snow became banked high behind them , and Ruth , who was in front , had to continually break away the drifting snow with her mittened hands so that they could see out . And they could see precious little outside of their den . Just the snow drifting down , faster and faster , thicker and thicker , gathering so rapidly that they all were secretly frightened , although at first each girl tried to speak cheerfully of it .