silver, while the dense mass beyond seemed to flow back up the steep
side of the mountain, thick with underbrush. Just below us, and
possibly fifty feet from the highway, I could perceive a small one-
story log cabin, as silent, gloomy, and deserted to all outward
appearance as were the sombre woods of which it formed a part.

"There seems small choice," I said, speaking as cheerfully as possible.
"But I propose to investigate the log hut yonder, and learn if it may
not afford some degree of shelter."

She glanced furtively in the direction pointed out, and her eyes
mirrored the sudden fear that swept into them.

"Oh, no!" she cried impulsively, "I could never venture into that
horrible place."

It did, indeed, look uncanny enough in its black loneliness, a fit
abiding place for ghost and goblin damned; but I was not inclined to
yield to superstitious dread.

"Certainly not," I answered, "until after I have investigated it.
Perhaps it may prove more attractive within than without, although, I
confess, from here it appears gloomy enough to discourage any one.
However, if you will rest here, in the shadow of these trees, I will
soon discover whether it has inmates or not."

She followed me in silence across the road to the spot designated, but
as I turned to leave her seated upon the grass, and well protected from
prying eyes, she hurried quickly after me, and in her agitation so far
forgot herself as to touch my sleeve with her hand.