and get herself taken to Farr's Landing in
the morning.... Through the day, too, she would be safe ... and,
to-morrow night, he, Benis, would be there.... But not until late
... not until after the moon ... better not think of the moon ...
think of Li Ho ... Li Ho would surely watch ...

He lay in his berth and told himself this over and over. The train
swung on. The cool, high air of the mountains crept through the
screened window. They were swinging through a land of awful and
gigantic beauty. The white moon turned the snow peaks into glittering
fountains from which pure light cascaded down, down into the blackness
at their base ... one more morning ... one more day ... Vancouver
at night ... a launch ... Desire!

Meanwhile one must keep steady. The professor drew from its yellow
wrapping the little note-book which had been the second of Li Ho's
enclosures. It had belonged, if Li Ho's information were correct, to
Desire's mother--a diary, probably. "Deceased lady write as per day."
Spence hesitated. It was Desire's property. He felt a delicacy in
examining it. But so many mistakes had already been made through want
of knowledge, he dared not risk another one. And Li Ho had probably
other than sentimental reasons for sending the book.

He shut out the mountains and the moonlight, and clicking on the
berth-light, turned the dog-eared pages reverently. Only a few were
written upon. It was a diary, as he had guessed, or rather brief bits
of one. The writing was small but very clear in spite of the fading
ink. The entries began abruptly. It was plain that there had been
another book of which this was a continuation.

The first date was November 1st--no year given.

"It is raining. The Indians say the winter will be very wet. Desire
plays in the rain and thrives. She is a lovely child,
high-spirited--not like me."

"November 10th--He was worse this month. I think he gets steadily a
little worse. I dare not say what I think. He would say that I had
fancies. No one else sees anything save harmless eccentricity,--except
perhaps Li Ho. But I am terrified.

"December 7th--I tried once more to get away. He found me quickly. It
isn't easy for a woman with a child to hide--without money. For myself
I can stand it--my own fault! But--my little girl!

"December 15th--I have been ill. Such a terrible experience. My one
thought was the dread of dying. I must live. I cannot leave
Desire--here.

"December 20th--He bought Des