d and rushed at him, firing shot after shot. I heard his
snow-shoes plodding across the crust, and yells from the others
indicated that Philippe's adventure had been a risky one.

Then Simon called again and I turned, like a foolish, baited beast, and
fired at him.

A dog barked once more, very far away, and at last I understood their
scheme.

Doubtless Simon had reached the huts at dawn and had discovered us
there. He must have been in waiting, but when he saw Jacqueline run
from me he changed his plans and sent the sleigh after her. Then,
realizing from my actions that I was snow-blind, he had remained behind
with some of his followers to enjoy the sport of baiting me, and
incidentally to drive me out of the way while the sleigh went on.

And now there was complete silence. He had accomplished his purpose.
He had gained all that he had to gain. Fortune had fought upon his
side, as always.

But Jacqueline----

She had tried to escape me. She could not have been playing a
part--she was too transcendentally sincere. Something must have
occurred--some dream which had momentarily crazed her; and she had
confounded me with her persecutors.

I could not think evil of her. I flung myself down in the snow and
gave way to abject misery.

But hope is not readily overthrown. For her sake I resolved to pull
myself together. I did not now know whether Leroux was in front or
behind me, or upon either hand.

I stood deep in the snow, a pistol in each hand, waiting. When he
called again I should make my last effort.

But he called me no more. Once I heard the dog yelp, far up the
valley, and then there was only the soughing of the wind and the sting
of the driving sleet flakes. And the grey mist had closed in all about
me. I was alone in that storm-swept wilderness and there was no sun to
guide me.

I saw a shadow at my feet, and stooping down, perceived that accident
had brought me back to the sleigh tracks. From the direction in which
the dog had howled, I judged that my course lay straight ahead as I was
standing. I started off wearily. At least it was better to walk than
to perish in the snow.

But before many minutes had passed the realization of my loss stung me
into madness again, and I began to run. And, as I ran, I shouted, and,
shouting, I fired.

I plunged along--half delirious, I believe, for I began to hear voices
on every side of me and to imagine I saw Simon standing, just out of
rea