Sandy knelt in the snow and held his lamp close to the single trail.

The print was narrow and long and ended in a tapering toe.
Ricks's broad foot would have covered half the space again.

He jumped to his feet and started for the house, then turned back irresolute.
When he entered his little room again the slender footprints had been effaced.

He put the lamp on the bureau, and looked vacantly about him.
On the cushion was pinned a note.

He recognized Ruth's writing, and opened it mechanically.
There were only three lines: I must see you again before I leave.