The snow lay deep on either side of it just there, with a sharp crust upon its surface, which rendered it inadvisable to take a horse round the sleigh.

The mounted man accordingly drew bridle, and the jingle and rattle betokened his profession, though it was already too dark to see him clearly.
"Hallo!" he said.

"Been buying this trail up, stranger ?" "No," said Winston quietly, though he still held his team across the way.

"Still, I've got the same right as any other citizen to walk or drive along it without anybody prowling after me, and just now I want to know if there is a reason I should be favored with your company." The trooper laughed a little.

"I guess there is.