But there seemed a mighty being awake all around him, in the presence of which Wade felt how little were his sorrows and hopes.
Another day brought dull-gray scudding clouds, and gusts of wind and squalls of rain, and a wailing through the bare aspens.

It grew colder and bleaker and darker.

Rain changed to sleet and sleet to snow.

That night brought winter.
Next morning, when Wade plodded up to Moore's cabin, it was through two feet of snow.

A beautiful glistening white mantle covered valley and slope and mountain, transforming all into a world too dazzlingly brilliant for the unprotected gaze of man.
When Wade pushed open the door of the cabin and entered he awakened the cowboy.
"Mornin', Wils," drawled Wade, as he slapped the snow from boots and legs.