as he admitted that for him Alice stood alone on an
unapproachable plane.

"But how did you get ill?" he asked.

"I was left on an icy _couloir_," Lawrence replied. "When they found
me I was half-frozen, but it makes a story that's probably as long as
yours. I'll tell it you later. How's our Borderer getting on?"

Foster turned to Pete, who had a large, hot Canadian biscuit on his
plate. "This kind of meal isn't very common in this country, Pete.
Perhaps I'd better warn you that there'll be another by and by."

"Aweel," said Pete, grinning, "I've no' done so bad. It's a guid plan
to mak' certain when ye hae the chance."

XXIV

LAWRENCE'S STORY

When the meal was over Foster began to feel impatient. Pete went away,
but Mrs. Stephen and Lucy remained, and Foster, having much to ask and
tell his comrade, was embarrassed by their presence. By and by he saw
that Lawrence was watching him with quiet amusement.

"It's like old times to have you with us," Lawrence remarked. "In
fact, it only needed your turning up to complete my satisfaction; but
you're a disturbing fellow. Don't you think this lucky reunion is
rather too good to spoil?"

Foster knew what he meant and was tempted to agree, though he felt this
was weak. It was pleasant to lounge, enjoying careless talk, and the
society of the two ladies had its charm. They added a touch of
domesticity and gave the place a homelike look, while the girl made an
attractive picture as she handed Lawrence his matches and cigarettes.
Foster thought it was worth being ill to be waited on like that. Then
his chair was comfortable and he could see the sunset fading on the
snow.

The sky was a wonderful pale-green and the high peaks glowed against
it, softly red. There was a belt where the snow glittered, but lower
down it faded to gray and blue. The pines were nearly black, but rose
out of the shadow in sharp-cut spires, and far down in the dusky gorge,
from which the roar of the flood and crash of ice ascended, there were
gleams of livid foam. Still there was much he wanted to learn, and it
was something of a relief when Mrs. Stephen picked up her sewing and
gave her daughter a meaning glance. To Foster's surprise, Lawrence
interposed.

"If you don't mind, I'd sooner you didn't go." Then he turned to
Foster with a smile. "It's obvious that you want to unbosom yourself,
Jake, but you can begin. You needn't be afraid of mentioning Daly.
Lucy knows.