He heard quick, light footsteps in the snow-crust ahead of him.

Then there came another sound--a step close behind him, a noise of disturbed brush, a low voice which was not that of a woman, and before his hand could slip, to the holster at his belt a human form launched itself upon him from the side, and a second form from behind, and under their weight he fell a helpless heap into the snow.

Powerful hands wrenched his arms behind his back and other hands drew a cloth about his mouth.

A stout cord was twisted around his wrists, his legs were tied, and then his captors relieved him of their weight.
Not a word had been spoken during the brief struggle.

Not a word was spoken now as his mysterious assailants hoisted him between them and followed in the footsteps of the woman.