en what he had
set out to do. At the sight, a rapturous peace came back to Natalie's
harried soul; for, she thought, if he were so unhappy as that, he must
love her in spite of all. And Garth, looking up, saw the tenderness
break in her weary face, and he understood it all too. The forest sprang
into leaf again for them; and presently the sun came gaily up. They
became as wildly and unreasonably happy as they had just been miserable;
and not a word was exchanged either way. It was not necessary. That they
did not fling themselves into each other's arms at that moment, must
surely be written down to their credit somewhere.

They made but a leisurely progress this day and the next. The labour of
the journey was greater than at any time hitherto, for in addition to
the ordinary routine of making and breaking camp twice a day, Garth had
now the four horses to look after. Catching them was a task of uncertain
duration, even though they were turned out hobbled; in particular, the
exasperating Timoosis developed the proficiency of a very circus horse,
in walking on his hind legs. And once caught, there was all the business
of saddling, packing and drawing the hitch.

Besides, there was that in both their hearts which delayed them even
more. No ardently desired goal awaited them at the end of this journey;
on the contrary they dreaded what they were to find. The last few miles
of the way together, before the inevitable came between them, was
therefore very dear; and it became ever easier to say "Let's camp!" and
harder to say "Let's move!"

Their boisterous jollity on the trail gave place to much quiet
happiness; and there was ceaseless friendly contention, where Garth's
every thought was for Natalie; and hers for him. Each was on his mettle
to be worthy of the other's best. Above all they avoided the insidious
danger of contact; but inevitably sometimes in the business of the camp,
their hands did meet--and each to himself stored up and told over the
events like secret treasures. In every labour Natalie insisted on taking
her share like a man; and Garth never ceasing to upbraid her, yet loved
her for it prodigiously.

Day by day, now, the leaves of the more exposed trees were yellowing;
and on the second night of their journey across the portage, the first
heavy frost of the season descended. Garth, under his sail-cloth at the
door of the tent, awoke covered with rime.

Toward the end of the third day they had their never