that his heart quickened its beating, and the flush deepened in his
cheeks.

"It's only six," he said, looking at his watch. "I don't usually turn in
this early. I was tired to-night--though I am not, now," he added
quickly. "I could sit up until morning--and talk. We don't often meet
people from outside, you know. Where are the others?"

"Back there," said the colonel, waving an arm into the gloom. "Isobel
made 'em sit down and be quiet, dogs and all, sir, while we came on
alone. There are Indians, two sledges, and a ton of duff."

"Call them," said Steele. "There's room for your tent beside mine,
Colonel, close against the face of this rock. It's as good as a
furnace."

The colonel moved a little out into the gloom and shouted to those
behind. Philip turned to find Mrs. Becker looking at him in a timid,
questioning sort of way, the laughter gone from her eyes. For a moment
she seemed to be on the point of speaking to him, then picked up a short
stick and began toying with the coals.

"You must be tired, Mrs. Becker," he said. "Now that you are near a
fire, I would suggest that you throw off your heavy coat. You will be
more comfortable, and I will bring you a blanket to sit on."

He dived into his tent and a moment later reappeared with a blanket,
which he spread close against the butt of a big spruce within half a
dozen feet of the fire. When he turned toward her, the colonel's wife
had thrown off her coat and turban and stood before him, a slim and