Part 31 (2/2)

”It's a woman,” he said, and there was a curious look in his eyes

The ure was more than a hundred and fifty yards away, but still laboriously stu the snow-bound trail toward them

Before Seth could find a reply another ”Coo-ee” reached them, followed quickly by some words that were blurred by the distance Seth started The voice had a curiously falanced at Rube, and the oldincredulity

”Sounds like----” Seth began to speak but broke off

”Gee! Come on!” cried Rube, in a boisterous tone ”It's Rosebud!”

The two men hastened forward Rube's announcement seemed incredible How could it be Rosebud--and on foot? The surface of the trail gave way under their feet at almost every step But they were undeterred Slush or ice, deep snow or floundering in water holes, it ure, and Rube was an easy winner When Seth came up he found the bundle of furs in the bear-like embrace of the older h Seth's brain as he looked on, panting with the exertion his enfeebled fra of it all? But his questions rehing, her wonderful eyes dancing with an inexpressible delight, released herself and turned to Seth Immediately her face fell as she looked on the shadow of abefore her

”Why, Seth,” she cried, in a tone of great pity and alarm that deceived even Rube, ”what's the matter that you look so ill?” She turned swiftly and flashed alook into Rube's eyes ”What is it? Quick! Oh, you two sillies, tell me! Seth, you've been ill, and you never told e as Rube was, for once he grasped the situation

”Why, gal, it's jest nothin' Seth's been h now, ain't you, Seth, boy?”

”Sure”

Seth had nothing to add, but he held out his hand, and the girl seized it in both of hers, while her eyes darkened to an expression which these men failed to interpret, but which Ma Saht Seth cleared his throat, and his dark eyes gazed beyond the girl and down the trail

”How'd you come, Rosie?” he asked practically ”You ain't traipsed fro out It was the old irresponsible laugh that had always been the joy of these ht a responsive sot,” she cried ”The delight of seeing you two dears put it out of on's stuck in a holloay back, and e aredown I don't knohat terrible curses upon the country and its people, and our teaht on to get help

Auntie was horrified at et rheumatic fever and pneumonia, and threatened to take ot help to reat face had never ceased to beairl paused for breath, he turned for hoet the teaait

Seth looked gravely at the girl's laughing face

”Guess you'd best come on home Mebbe your feet _are_ wet”

Thus, after irl's life, the old order was resuh it was his perfect right Without one word or thought of protest she walked at his side In silence he helped her over the broken trail to the ho known and still claiirl beheld the fortified appearance of the farhtly awed tone

”What's all this for, Seth?” she asked She knew, but she felt that she s?” The man responded indifferently

”Yes, that stockade”

”Oh, jest nothin' Y' see we need a bit o' fence-like”

Rosebud looked at hied at his side