They ran until even the youngest, most energetic ones of the group were too exhausted to go any further.
"What do we do now?" Martha, who was hunched down over her knees to catch her breath, asked.
"Now," Mr. Martin said in between breaths. "Now..we...go...to town hall...and get help."
"How far away is town hall?" asked Bridget. "I don't think I can walk anymore."
"Me neither," Frannie commented.
"We can walk to our house first and get the car," suggested Joann. "It's only two blocks away."
Just then, Louise plopped herself down on the sidewalk and announced, "I can't walk anymore. Not even two blocks."
Jacob, Louise's twin, sat down on the sidewalk next to her. "Neither can I!"
Mr. Martin rubbed his forehead. "Okay...then Joann and I will walk to the house to get the car and pick you guys up on the way to town hall.
"I'll stay here with them," Martha offered.
"Thank you, dear." Joann gave her a grateful smile.
