and Hugh's cheeks grew a shade more leaden.
"T-two months ago!" he stammered painfully; "but that's not p-possible.
They--they've given me up. They've f-forgotten me. They th-think I'm
dead. After fifteen years? My God, Pete! Why didn't you tell me?" He
pleaded the last with a shaken sort of sharpness, in pitiful contrast to
the bombast of the preceding speech.

"I didn't see the good of telling you. I was waiting until this trip to
see if the picture was still there, and maybe to ask some questions."

"What does it mean?" whispered Bella.

"It means they've some fresh reason to hunt me--some fresh impulse--God
knows what or why. How can we tell out here, buried in the snows of
fifteen winters. Well!" He struck his hands down on the table edge and
stood up. He drew his mouth into a crooked smile and looked at the other
two as a naughty child looks at its doting but disapproving elders. The
smile transfigured his ugliness. "I've a fancy to see that picture. Want
to be reminded of what I looked like fifteen years ago. I was a handsome
fellow then. I'm going to take the pelts."

Pete looked dumbly up at him, his lips parted. Bella twisted her apron
about her hands. Both seemed to know the hopelessness of protest. In the
same anxious dumbness they watched Garth make ready for his trip. As he
pulled his cap down close about his ears, Pete at last found his voice.

"Hugh," he began doubtfully, "I wish you wouldn't risk it. We can get on
without supplies until next trading-day, when I'll surely be all right."

"Hold your tongue! I'm going," was the answer. "I tell you, the spirit
of adventure has me. Who knows what I may meet with out there?" He flung
back the door and, pointing with a long arm, stood silhouetted against
the dazzle.

"Beauty? Opportunity? Danger? Hope? Death? I shan't shirk it this time.
I'll meet whatever comes. But--" He came back a step into the room. His
harsh face melted to a shamefaced gentleness; his voice softened. "If
they get me down there, if I _don't_ come back, you two try to think
kindly of me, will you? I know what you think of me now. I know you
won't see me as I am--no one but God will ever do me that kindness; but
you two--be easy with me in your memories."

Bella, her arms now twisted to their red elbows in her apron, took a
few stiff steps across the floor. Her face was expressionless, her eyes
lowered. Garth smiled at them both and went out, shutting the door. They
heard him singin