Take the lead, you know the trail." Carroll, supporting himself by the table, crept across to the door and watched them, reckless as to the entering cold.

The glare of the white snow revealed clearly the outlines of the disappearing horsemen, as they rode cautiously down the bank.

The thin fringe of shore ice broke under the weight of the ponies' hoofs, as the riders forced them forward into the icy water.

A moment later the two crept up the sharp incline of the opposite shore, appearing distinct against the sky as they attained the summit.

Hamlin waved his hand, and then, on a lope, the figures vanished into the gloom.