dian allies. If he could only reach them, only strike a
blow for her release, it would be such a relief. The uncertainty
weighed upon him, giving unrestricted play to the imagination, and,
incidentally awakening a love for the girl so overwhelming as almost to
frighten him. He had fought this feeling heretofore, sternly,
deliberately, satisfied that such ambition was hopeless. He would not
attempt to lower her to his level, nor give her the unhappiness of
knowing that he dared misconstrue her frank friendliness into aught
more tender. But these misfortunes had changed the entire outlook.
Now he flung all pretence aside, eager to place his life on the altar
to save her. Even a dim flame of hope began blazing in his heart--hope
that he might yet wring from Le Fevre a confession that would clear his
name. He knew his man at last--knew him, and would track him now with
all the pitiless ingenuity of a savage. Once he could stand erect,
absolved of disgrace, a man again among men, he would ignore the
uniform of the ranks, and go to her with all the pride of his race.
Ay! and down in his heart he knew that she would welcome his coming;
that her eyes would not look at the uniform, but down into the depths
of his own.

He thought of it all as he paced the floor, or stared into the fire,
while outside the wind raged and howled, piling the snow against the
cabin front, and whirling in mad bursts up the valley. It would be
death to face the fury of it on those open plains. There was nothing
left him but to swear, and pace back and forth. Twice he and Hughes
fought their way to the corral, found the horses sheltered in a little
cove, and brought them food and water. The struggle to accomplish this
was sufficient proof of the impossibility of going farther. Exhausted
and breathless they staggered back into the quietness of the cabin,
feeling as though they had been beaten by clubs. Once, desperate to
attempt something, Hamlin suggested searching for the bodies of Wasson
and Wade, but Hughes shook his head, staring at the other as though
half believing him demented. The Sergeant strode to the door and
looked out into the smother of snow; then came back without a word of
protest.

Carroll improved steadily, complaining of pain where the frost had
nipped exposed flesh, yet able to sit up, and eat heartily. There
remained a numbness in his feet and legs, however, which prevented his
standing alone, and both the others r