He knew that it would be unwise to argue the point, so he led the way
to Bachelors' Hall, Spurling limping stiffly behind. So cramped had he
become with the cold, and the position in which he had been chained
during his confinement, that he could hardly move a step without
groaning. Until he should recover, despite his own weakness, Granger
knew that he was physically the stronger and still had the upper hand.
For Peggy's sake he intended to make the best use of his time; he
began to have fears for her as to what might happen were she left to
the mercy of Spurling's choice.

"What are we coming here for?" growled Spurling, as they stopped at
the door of the hall; "why can't we go to the shack? I'm desperately
cold and there's a fire there."

"I'll light you a fire," said Granger, placing his hands on his
shoulders and thrusting him inside.

"You're mighty anxious that I shouldn't get near your wife," said
Spurling; "she must be very valuable."

Granger went off and soon returned with fuel. The stove was damp and
rusty, and did not draw well at first, so that all the room was filled
with smoke. Spurling had stumbled over to the shelf and lay there
complaining. When the wood had caught and was burning brightly,
Granger fetched him something to eat and then went out to speak with
Peggy, leaving him alone, promising to return again to spend the
night.

When he had entered the shack, it appeared to be empty. He called
Peggy's name, but she did not reply. Listening intently, he heard the
sound of sobbing which she was endeavouring to stifle. Going over to
the berth he found her lying there, with face turned to the wall.
Sitting down beside her, he placed his arms about her, and tried to
make her turn his way, but she refused to be comforted.

"Peggy," he said, "you heard what we were saying in the cabin? You
remember how I said that I was able to trust your word. I want you to
promise me that you will not tell anyone that we have left, and that
you will not try to follow until I send to tell you that all is safe,
so that you can come to me."

"You will never send," she said.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because that man will quarrel with you and kill you on the way out."

"That's nonsense; you must listen to what I have planned. This summer
we found gold on the Forbidden River."

"I know that."

"Who told you?"

"Eyelids."

"Why did he tell you?"

"He found it himself in the spring, when father sent him