it easier for him to resist it. After
all, the endurance of bitter frost is rather a question of moral than
physical strength, as every prospector who has crossed the snow-bound
altitudes on the gold trail knows.

He forced himself to get up, and stood still, shivering in every limb,
while a bitter wind struck through him as he gathered his resolution
together. Then, stripping off his deerskin jacket, he flung it over
one arm as he turned toward his companions' shelter. Kinnaird was
awake, and his daughter cried out drowsily when Weston stood looking
down at him.

"It's clearing, and I think I could get down," he said. "It would be
better if Miss Stirling came with me."

"Yes," said Kinnaird reflectively, "I think she ought to go."

There was, however, a difficulty when Ida rose to her feet, and stood
looking about her half awake. She could not speak distinctly, but she
seemed bent on staying. Then Kinnaird made a sign to Weston, who
quietly slipped his arm within the girl's and drew her away. She went
with him some little distance, too dazed to resist, and then,
snatching her arm free, turned upon him white with cold and anger.

"What right have you or Major Kinnaird----" she began, but Weston
checked her with a little forceful gesture.

"I, at least, have none at all," he admitted. "In a way, however, I
suppose I'm responsible for the safety of the whole party. Could you
have done Miss Kinnaird any good by staying?"

Cold and half dazed as she was, a moment's reflection convinced Ida
that she could have done very little beyond helping to keep her
companion warm. Weston, who did not wait for her answer, went on:

"Now," he said severely, "do you feel as comfortable as usual, or are
you almost too cold to move?"

The girl admitted that the latter was the case, and Weston spread out
his hands.

"Well," he said, "it will be at least another six hours before the
first sunlight falls on that ledge. Besides, as you may remember, you
have had only one meal since early yesterday morning, and I shall be
especially fortunate if I can get back here with the Indians by noon.
Major Kinnaird and his daughter must stay, but that doesn't apply to
you. Are you still quite sure you have any cause to be angry with me?"

Ida looked at him with a little flash in her eyes.

"Oh," she said, "I suppose you're right. Still, is it necessary to
make the thing so very plain?"

Weston laughed.

"I just want you to realize that yo