Featherstone stopped and caught his comrade's arm as the yard
locomotive pushed some cars along the track they were about to cross,
and the harsh tolling of the bell made talking difficult. When the
cars had passed they let the matter drop and went back to the hotel
where they had left their automobile.



III

FOSTER MAKES A PROMISE

There was been frost next evening and Foster drove to the Crossing
without his comrade, who thought it wiser to stay at home. The reunion
he was going to attend was held annually by one or two mutual-improvement
societies that combined to open their winter sessions. It had originally
begun with a lecture on art or philosophy, but had degenerated into a
supper and dance. Supper came early, because in Canada the meal is
generally served about six o'clock.

The wooden hall was decorated with flags and cedar boughs, and well
filled with young men and women, besides a number of older citizens. The
floor and music were good, and Foster enjoyed two dances before he met
Carmen Austin. He had not sought her out, because she was surrounded by
others, and he knew that if she wanted to dance with him she would let
him know. It was generally wise to wait Carmen's pleasure.

When he left his last partner he stood in a quiet nook, looking about the
hall. The girls were pretty and tastefully dressed, though generally