Several times, as old habit brought momentary abstraction, he found himself suddenly looking around for Helen and Bo.

And each time the shock grew stronger.

They were gone, but their presence lingered.

After his camp chores were completed he went over to pull down the lean-to which the girls had utilized as a tent.

The spruce boughs had dried out brown and sear; the wind had blown the roof awry; the sides were leaning in.