I turned and rushed blindly in the direction of the cry. I had left my snow-shoes behind me in the hut, and at each step my feet broke through the crusted snow, so that I floundered and fell like a drunken man to choruses of taunts and laughter. It was a horrible blindman's bluff, for they had surrounded me, yelling from every quarter. "This way, _monsieur_! This way!" piped a thin, voice which I knew to be Philippe Lacroix. A snowball struck me on the chin, and they began pelting me and laughing. I was like a baited bear. I was beside myself with rage and helpless fury. The icy balls hit my face a dozen times; one struck me behind the ear and hurled me down half stunned. I was up again and rushing at my unseen tormentors. I heard the barking of the dogs far away, and I ran in the direction of the sound, sobbing with rage. I pulled my pistols from my pockets and spun round, firing in every direction through that wall of grey, yielding mist that gave me place but never gave me vision. The clouds had obscured the sky and the snow was falling again. My hands were bare and numb, except where the cold steel of the pistol triggers seared my fingers like molten metal. They had formed a wider circle round me, and pistol range is longer than snowball range, so that they struck me no more. I heard the shouts and mockery still, but never Jacqueline's voice. "Here, M. Hewlett, here!" piped Philippe Lacroix once more. Again I turned and rushed at him, firing shot after shot. I heard his snow-shoes plodding across the crust, and yells from the others indicated that Philippe's adventure had been a risky one. Then Simon called again and I turned, like a foolish, baited beast, and fired at him. A dog barked once more, very far away, and at last I understood their scheme. Doubtless Simon had reached the huts at dawn and had discovered us there. He must have been in waiting, but when he saw Jacqueline run from me he changed his plans and sent the sleigh after her. Then, realizing from my actions that I was snow-blind, he had remained behind with some of his followers to enjoy the sport of baiting me, and incidentally to drive me out of the way while the sleigh went on. And now there was complete silence. He had accomplished his purpose. He had gained all that he had to gain. Fortune had fought upon his side, as always. But Jacqueline---- She had tried to escape me. She could not have been playing a part--she was too transcendentally sincere. Something must have occurred--some dream which had momentarily crazed her; and she had confounded me with her persecutors. I could not think evil of her. I flung myself down in the snow and gave way to abject misery. But hope is not readily overthrown. For her sake I resolved to pull myself together. I did not now know whether Leroux was in front or behind me, or upon either hand. I stood deep in the snow, a pistol in each hand, waiting. When he called again I should make my last effort.