d Galena. Though
little known, Walcott was quite popular. It was therefore generally
conceded that the shrewd "mining king," as Mr. Underwood was denominated
in that region, had selected a party in every way eligible as the future
husband of the sole heiress of his fortune. Kate received the
congratulations showered upon her with perfect equanimity, but with a
shade of quiet reserve which effectually distanced all undue familiarity
or curiosity.

Through the daily paper which found its way to the mining camp Darrell
received his first news of Kate's engagement. It did not come as a
surprise, however; he knew it was inevitable; he even drew a sigh of
relief that the blow had fallen, for a burden is far more easily borne
as an actual reality than by anticipation, and applied himself with an
almost dogged persistency to his work.

The winter set in early and with unusual severity. The snowfall in the
mountains was heavier than had been known in years. Much of the time
the canyon road was impassable, making it impracticable for Darrell to
visit The Pines with any frequency, even had he wished to do so.

The weeks passed, and ere he was aware the holidays were at hand. By
special messenger came a little note from Kate informing him of
Walcott's absence and begging him to spend Christmas at the old home.
There had been a lull of two or three days in the storm, the messenger
reported the road somewhat broken, and early on the morning preceding
Christmas the trio, Darrell, Duke, and Trix, started forth, and, after a
twelve hours' siege, arrived at The Pines wet, cold, and thoroughly
exhausted, but all joyfully responsive to the welcome awaiting them.

Christmas dawned bright and clear; tokens of love and good will abounded
on every side, but at an early hour news came over the wires which
shocked and saddened all who heard, particularly the household at The
Pines. There had been a hold-up on the west-bound express the preceding
night, a few miles from Galena, in which the mail and express had been
robbed, and the express clerk, a brave young fellow who stanchly refused
to open the safe or give the combination, had been fatally stabbed. It
was said to be without doubt the work of the same band that had
conducted the hold-up in which Harry Whitcomb had lost his life, as it
was characterized by the same boldness of plan and cleverness of
execution.

The affair brought back so vividly to Mr. Underwood and the family the
detai