It was Hughie Murray who finally brought Ranald once more into touch with the minister's wife.
They had come one early morning, Hughie with Fido "hitched" in a sled driving over the "crust" on the snow banks by the roadside, and his mother on the pony, to make their call upon the sick man.

As they drew near the house they heard a sound of hammering.
"That's Ranald, mother!" exclaimed Hughie.

"Let me go and find him.

I don't want to go in." "Be sure you don't go far away, then, Hughie; you know we must hurry home to-day"; and Hughie faithfully promised.

But alas for Hughie's promises! when his mother came out of the house with Kirsty, he was within neither sight nor hearing.
"They will just be at the camp," said Kirsty.
"The camp ?" "Aye, the sugaring camp down yonder in the sugar bush.