ite of the storm, foot by foot, yard by yard. And,
at short intervals, they paused and sent their cries hurtling upon the
vicious wind. And to every cry came an answer, and every answer sounded
nearer.

They were on the only open track in the valley, and both men knew that
whoever was out in that storm must be somewhere upon it. Therefore they
kept on.

"The line's gettin' heavy," said Nick presently.

"It's only a little further," replied Ralph.

"By the weight o' the line, I reckon ther' ain't more'n fifty feet
more."

"Maybe it'll be 'nough."

And Ralph was right.

Ten yards further on they almost fell over a dark mass lying in the
snow. It was a huddled heap, as of a creature striving to shut out the
attack of the storm. It was the attitude of one whose heart quails with
dread. It was the attitude of one, who, in possession of all his
faculties and strength, lies down to die. Rank cowardice was in that
fur-clad figure, and the cries for help were as the weeping of a
fear-filled soul.

Ralph was down upon his knees in a moment, and all that the still figure
conveyed was at once apparent to him. His hand fell heavily upon the
man's shoulder, and he turned him over to look at his face.

The victim of the storm groaned; as yet he was unable to realize that
help was at hand. Then, after several rough shakes, his head emerged
from the folds of an enormous storm-collar.

As he looked up at the faces bending over him the two trappers uttered
exclamations.

"It's the trader!" said Ralph.

"Victor Gagnon!" exclaimed Nick.

CHAPTER II.

WHICH TELLS OF THE WHITE SQUAW

The stormy day was followed by an equally stormy night. Inside the
dugout it was possible, in a measure, to forget the terrors of the
blizzard raging outside. The glowing stove threw out its comforting
warmth, and even the rank yellow light of the small oil lamp, which was
suspended from one of the rafters, gave a cheering suggestion of comfort
to the rough interior. Besides, there were within food and shelter and
human association, and the mind of man is easily soothed into a feeling
of security by such surroundings.

The trappers had brought the rescued trader to the shelter of their
humble abode; they had refreshed him with warmth and good food; they had
given him the comfort of a share of their blankets, the use of their
tobacco, all the hospitality they knew how to bestow.

The three men were ranged round the room in various a