Part 41 (1/2)

When night caain the wind arose once more But now the house was so completely buried in the snow that it was scarcely touched Dave orn out and slept soundly, and the others did not awaken him until nearly nine o'clock

”Any neas his first question on arising

”Nothing,” answered Granbury Lapha worried,” he added, seriously

”I think we have good cause to worry, Mr Lapham It is no joke to be out on a mountain top in such weather as this”

”The man here tells me there are several shelters up there, one built between the rocks where the wind cannot touch it But for all that I ah food with theo well supplied”

All of that day and the next went by, and still nobody appeared at the sheep-station Another snowstor, and when it came the air was so filled with it that nobody could venture outside The young Alishman paced the floor of the shelter i Their food was limited, and the tobacco for Granbury Lapham's pipe ran lohich caused thewith a poor meal, but I must have my smoke,” he said

A day later they were seated around the fire discussing the situation when Roger gave a cry

”Well, I never!”

”What's up now?” asked Dave

”Why, we've gotten into a new year and nobody ever noticed it!”

”By Jove, that's so!” answered Granbury Lapham ”Well, here's a Happy New Year to all of you”

”A poor beginning , they say,” said Dave ”Let us hope that proves true in this instance” He was sorry he had not been in a position to send New Year greetings to those at home, and especially to Jessie

Sunday passed drearily, and also Monday On Tuesday it began to clear and the wind dropped entirely Then the house was opened and they went forth, and the e busied himself with his sheep Two of the animals had died fro together to keep warer, after an inspection

With the coerly for the return of the exploring party The sheep-station keeper pointed out to them where the mountain trails ran and told them the party must come by way of one of them, for to descend in any other manner would be iet down in such a snoas Dave's comment ”Why, in some places it must be ten feet deep or more”

”The wind has swept some places clear,” was Granbury Lapham's answer

”As far as possible they'll stick to those cleared spots”

”It er ”And if any of them takes a tu to a close when Dave, as still on the watch, uttered a shout

”I see somebody, up on yonder trail!” he cried ”One, two, three of them!”

”Only three?” queried Granbury Lapham

”That is all, so far”