the
dogs, gone after a load of moose-meat, and won't be back till
to-morrow. And my daughter Mary's very sick at Missanaibie and wants
me to come right over. Could you take me over to the depot in time for
the afternoon train west? Are you going back to-day?"

Stefan pulled out a big silver watch and studied it.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered. "I'm yoost goin' over to Hugo's wid dis
leddy. If I go real smart I can get back in time, but I got to hurry a
bit. So long! I come right soon back. Leave a vord for Tom und be
ready de moment I come. I make it, sure!"

With this assurance he started off again, while the woman was still
crying out her thanks. There was a long bit of good going now, which
they covered at a good pace. Madge was thinking how helpful all these
people were, how naturally they gave, how readily they asked for the
help that was always welcome, as far as she could see. Yes, it was all
so very different.

"Won't the dogs be dreadfully tired," she asked, "if you go back so
soon?"

"No, leddy," he asserted. "Twenty-four miles ain't much of a trip. Dey
make tvice dat if need come. And me too, sure t'ing!"

As she looked at him she knew that he spoke the simple truth. Even the
people of this country seemed to be built differently. All of them
looked sturdy, self-reliant, strong to endure, and, more than
anything, ready to share everything either with stranger or with
friend. In spite of the weariness she felt after her long journey and
of the ache in her bones that was coming from the unusual manner of
her travelling, she felt that this was a blessed country, a haven of
rest that held promise of wonderful peace. All at once they came in
sight of a river, snow-shackled like all the others, except for black
patches where the under-running flood so hurried in rapid places that
the surface could not freeze. From such air-holes, as they are called,
steam arose that was like the smoke of fires.

"What is that river?" she called.

"Dat's de Roaring Rifer, leddy," Stefan informed her. "Ve's only a
little vays to go now. Maybe five minute."

At this moment, as in a flash, all of her vague and carking fears
returned to the girl, and her hand went to her breast. It was only a
little way now! And it was no dream--no figment of her imagination!
The beginning of the real adventure was at hand! Truth flashed upon
her. In a few moments she would see for the first time the man she was
to marry. She blushed fiery red. I