n
earth.

That was a memorable winter, mild and bright and buoyant. At last Spring
came with gracious days of sunshine. The sleighing was glorious, but I
was busy, very busy, so that I was glad to send Garry and Berna off
together in a smart cutter, and see them come home with their cheeks
like roses, their eyes sparkling and laughter in their voices. I never
saw Berna looking so well and happy.

I was head over ears in work. In a mail just arrived I had a letter from
the Prodigal, and a certain paragraph in it set me pondering. Here it
was:

"You must look out for Locasto. He was in New York a week ago. He's
down and out. Blood-poisoning set in in his foot after he got
outside, and eventually he had to have it taken off. He's got a
false mit for the one Mac sawed off. But you should see him. He's
all shot to pieces with the 'hooch.' It's a fright the pace he's
gone. I had an interview with him, and he raved and blasphemed
horribly. Seemed to have a terrible pick at you. Seems you have
copped out his best girl, the only one he ever cared a red cent
for. Said he would get even with you if he swung for it. I think
he's dangerous, even a madman. He is leaving for the North now, so
be on your guard."

Locasto coming! I had almost forgotten his existence. Well, I no longer
cared for him. I could afford to despise him. Surely he would never dare
to molest us. If he did--he was a broken, discredited blackguard. I
could crush him.

Coming here! He must even now be on the way. I had a vision of him
speeding along that desolate trail, sitting in the sleigh wrapped in
furs, and brooding, brooding. As day after day the spell of the great
and gloomy land grew on his spirit, I could see the sombre eyes darken
and deepen. I could see him in the road-house at night, gaunt and
haggard, drinking at the bar, a desperate, degraded cripple. I could see
him growing more reckless every day, every hour. He was coming back to
the scene of his ruined fortunes, and God knows with what wild schemes
of vengeance his heart was full. Decidedly I must beware.

As I sat there dreaming, a ring came to the 'phone. It was the foreman
at Gold Hill.

"The hoisting machine has broken down," he told me. "Can you come out
and see what is required?"

"All right," I replied. "I'll leave at once."

"Berna," I said, "I'll have to go out to the Forks to-night. I'll be
back early to-morrow. Get me a