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

details of Harry's death that it cast a shadow over the Christmas

festivities, which seemed to deepen as the day wore on. Outside, too,

gathering clouds, harbingers of coming storm, added to the general

gloom.

It was with a sense of relief that Darrell set out at an early hour the

following morning for the camp. He realized as never before that the

place teemed with painful memories whose very sweetness tortured his

soul until he almost wished that the months since his coming to The

Pines might be wrapped in the same oblivion which veiled his life up to

that period. He was glad to escape from its depressing influence and to

return to the camp with its routine of work and study.

This second winter of Darrell's life at camp was far more normal and

healthful than the first. His love and sympathy for Kate had

unconsciously drawn him out of himself, making him less mindful of his

own sorrow and more susceptible to the sufferings of others. To the men

at the camp he was far different, interesting himself in their welfare

in numerous ways where before he had ignored them. The unusual severity

of the winter had caused some sickness among them, and it was nothing

uncommon for Darrell to go of an evening to the miners' quarters with

medicines, newspapers, and magazines for the sick and convalescent.

He was returning from one of these expeditions late one evening about

ten days after Christmas, accompanied by the collie. It had been snowing

lightly and steadily all day and the snow was still falling. Darrell was

whistling softly to himself, and Duke, who showed a marvellous

adaptation to Darrell's varying moods, catching the cue for his own

conduct, began to plunge into the freshly fallen snow, wheeling and

darting swiftly towards Darrell as though challenging him to a

wrestling-match. Darrell gratified his evident wish and they tumbled

promiscuously in the snow, emerging at length from a big drift near the

office, their coats white, Duke barking with delight, and Darrell

laughing like a school-boy.

Shaking themselves, they entered the office, but no sooner had they

stepped within than the collie bounded to the door of the next room

where he began a vigorous sniffing and scratching, accompanied by a

series of short barks. As Darrell, somewhat puzzled by his actions,

opened the door, he saw a figure seated by the fire, which rose and

turned quickly, revealing to his astonished gaze the tall form and

strong, sweet face of John Britton.

For a moment the two men stood with clasped hands, looking into each

other's eyes with a satisfaction too deep for words.

After an affectionate scrutiny of his young friend Mr. Britton resumed

his seat, remarking,-"You are looking well--better than I have ever seen you; and I was glad

to hear that laughter outside; it had the right ring to it."




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