Tents, blankets, flour-bags, cooking utensils and hide packages were hung where man and horse could carry them with a minimum of effort.

The place for every strap had been exactly determined, and there was an absence of concern, and a quietness about the men that had its meaning.
Presently Seaforth descended the stairway with Deringham, Tom of Okanagan moved forward with the horses, and Alton was left alone with Alice Deringham.

Neither of them spoke for a moment, and it was noticeable that the girl, who knew that silence is often more expressive than speech and had acquired some skill in avoiding unpleasant situations, was for the moment unable to break it.

It was, Alton who spoke first, and his voice was a trifle too even.
"You will be gone when we come back ?" he said.
The girl noticed he did not look at her, and fancied she understood the reason.

This was a strong man, but it seemed he knew there were limits to his strength.
"Yes," she said.