Douglas was half blinded by snow-glare and wind, so it was several minutes before he observed an old man sitting eagerly erect on one of the beds. Doug started to his feet. "Where'd you come from, Mr. Fowler!" "From Lost Chief Peak. Get warm and rested, Doug, before you try to talk." "I was starting out after you when I found that Judith--" began Doug. "And then--" "Judith," interrupted Mr. Fowler, "needed you more than I did." "Did they hurt you?" insisted Douglas. "No. Don't try to talk till you are rested, my boy." "That won't take long!" croaked Douglas. But, as a matter of fact, it was morning before he heard the preacher's story or told his own. He was warmed and fed enormously and rolled into a feather bed. And he knew nothing more until the smell of coffee and the sound of women's voices roused him. The living-room was flooded with sunlight. The preacher was thrusting wood into the red-hot stove. "Where's Judith?" asked Douglas. "Helping Mrs. Nelson get breakfast. How are you?" "Fine! Do you suppose I can shave before breakfast?" The preacher nodded toward a washstand in the corner and Douglas began to make his toilet. Mr. Fowler made no attempt to talk during this process but stood before the fire, watching the young man with somber, wistful eyes. It was an exceedingly well-groomed young rider who appeared at Elijah's long breakfast table a half-hour later. Judith, snow-burned, but otherwise a very fit young person, gave him an appreciative look and smile, and left him to the others while she went on with her breakfast. They sat long at the table. The children were sent off to school. The adventure up and down Black Devil Peak was thoroughly discussed. Then Douglas turned to the preacher. "And what did they do to you, Mr. Fowler?" The old man smiled grimly. "That won't take long to tell. Old Johnny and I went to sleep soon after you left, and the first thing I knew I was being gagged and blindfolded by a couple of fellows in masks. They carried me out to the corral and fastened me onto a horse. I didn't put up a fight, Doug. I'm too old. One of the men then led my horse off at a gallop. What became of the other man and Johnny, I can only surmise from what Mr. Nelson has told me." "Who were the men?" demanded Douglas.