that whirled the drifts up
met her in the face, numbing all her faculties and rendering breathing
difficult. The hand that held the bridle was stiffened into
uselessness. Still, while life pulsed within her, she was going on,
and swaying in the saddle, she fixed her eyes ahead.

At last the trail grew level, the snow thinner. In the growing light
of day a cluster of roofs loomed up before her, and she made some
incoherent answer when her guide confessed:

"I struck the wrong way at the forking of the trail. Here's a ranch,
however, and the camp can't be far away. Horse is used up and so am I,
but you could get somebody to take Thurston a message."

Some minutes later he lifted Millicent from the saddle, and she leaned
against him almost powerless as he pounded on the door. The loud
knocking was answered by voices within, the door swung open, and
Millicent reeled into a long hall. Two women rose from beside the
stove, and, for it was broad daylight now, stared in bewilderment at
the strangers.

The guide leaned wearily against the wall, while Millicent, overcome by
the change of temperature, stood clutching at the table and swaying to
and fro. Then her failing strength deserted her. Somebody who helped
her into a chair presently held a cup of warm liquid to her lips. She
gulped down a little, and, recovering command of her senses, found
herself confronted by Helen Savine. It was a curious meeting, and even
then Millicent remembered under what circumstances they had last seen
each other. It appeared probable that Helen remembered, too, for she
showed no sign of welcome, and Mrs. Thomas Savine, who picked up the
fallen cup, watched them intently.

"I see you are surprised to find me here," said Millicent, with a gasp.
"I left the railroad last night for Geoffrey Thurston's camp. We lost
the trail and one of the horses in the snow, and just managed to reach
this ranch. We can drag ourselves no further. I did not know the
ranch belonged to you."

"That's about it!" the guide broke in. "This lady has made a journey
that would have killed some men--it has pretty well used me up, anyway.
I'll sit down in the corner if you don't mind. Can't keep myself right
end up much longer."

"Please make yourself comfortable!" said Helen, with a compassionate
glance in his direction. "I will tell our Chinaman to see to your
horse." She turned towards Millicent, and her face was coldly
impassive. "Anyone in dist