ds, blowing the snow
into drifts in the road. Mr. Monteith had a new motive for his
journey now. He must protect this young girl in her lonely way; it
was out of the question to leave her in such a desolate place and a
storm raging. He quickened his steps; she might need assistance.

A feeling of despair was beginning to creep over Edna. What if she
should sink down in this lonely place unable to go on. She had left
the main road a few minutes before, and this one by the pine woods
was not much travelled. It was probable that nobody would find her.
In dismay she turned and looked behind her, but no sooner did she see
a man rapidly coming towards her than a mortal fear took possession
of her, and she started forward with new impetus; on and on she ran
as fleetly as a deer. Mr. Monteith ran too at the top of his speed,
wondering, inly, if she really were of the earth, and if she had not
some means of locomotion that he did not possess. He must reach her
at all events.

Edna at last paused in dismay before an immense drift that lay
directly across the road. She would have plunged in, but Mr. Monteith
was at her side and said pleasantly, "If you will allow me to go on
first, I think I can tread a path for you."

Edna looked up quickly, somewhat reassured by the manly tones, and
the grey eyes that looked into hers were true eyes; a little child
might have known that.

"Before we go on let me introduce myself," and Mr. Monteith drew out
a card and handed it to Edna.

When Edna read "Hugh Monteith & Co., Bankers," all her fear left her.
The name of Monteith had long been a familiar one to her; she
remembered hearing her father speak of having a little business with
that bank.

"Well, I am Edna Winters," said Edna simply. "My father is Samuel
Winters, and we live a little more than half a mile from here."

"Then we are acquainted, I am sure, for your father is one of our
depositors. Now let me break a road through this barricade, if
possible," and Mr. Monteith dashed bravely into it; but as well as he
could see through the blinding storm, the drift reached a long
distance ahead. It would be a work of time to tread it down, and the
cold wind cut like a knife.

There was a shorter way--this was no time for ceremony or trifling.
He came back to Edna's side saying, "It will be almost impossible to
do it. We must hasten on or perish in this storm. Trust me, this is
best"--and the tall form stooped and lifted Edna from her