_(Capt. Eppingwell laughs and nods, and they continue toward door.)_ MRS. EPPINGWELL _(While they are pulling on mittens, etc.)_ And now the dogs. Don't delay a moment, Archie, please. CAPT. EPPINGWELL The one-eyed man and the six dogs start at once. _(They go out.)_ _(Only clerks behind counter are left on the stage.)_ _(Nothing happens for a full minute, when Mrs. McFee appears at right, peeping through door, which she holds ajar. She peers cautiously about, enters, and sniffs the air several times. Then she smiles a sour smile of satisfaction.)_ MRS. McFEE And now a decent body can make her purchases. CURTAIN ACT II--ANTEROOM OF PIONEER HALL Scene. _Anteroom of Pioneer Hall. It is ten-thirty P.M. The room is large and bare. Its walls are of logs, stuffed between with brown moss. Street door to rear, in centre. Doors, window-frames, and sashes of rough, unstained pine boards. At one side of door is wisp-broom for brushing snow from moccasins. On either side of door is an ordinary small-paned window, and beneath either window is a rough wooden bench. Under benches are large out-door moccasins, left there after the manner of overshoes, by their owners. In available space on rear wall, many wooden pegs, on which are hanging furs, parkas, hats, wraps, etc. Midway between front and rear, and at equal distances between centre and sides, running at full blast, are two large wood-burning stoves. Alongside each stove is a wood-box filled with firewood. On right, a window. On left, wide doorway, open, connecting with ballroom. Through doorway come occasional snatches of dance-music, bursts of laughter and of voices. Because it is very cold, street door is kept closed, and is opened by doorkeeper only when some one knocks, and then only long enough for that one to enter. All parleying is done on inside with door closed. Prince, as doorkeeper, is standing at rear by street door. Men and women, in costume, are disappearing through door to left, from where come strains of a waltz._ PRINCE _(Drawing up his shoulders, as if cold.)_ B-r-r! _(Crosses rapidly to lejt and peers through doorway into ballroom, looking jor somebody. Holds up his finger and beckons.)_ Here, you, Billy! More fire! Hi yu skookum fire! _(Enter Indian, who proceeds to fire up both stoves.)_ _(Prince stands looking into ballroom. A knock is heard at street door. He returns and opens door.)_ _(A Man enters, masked and in heavy fur overcoat.)_ PRINCE _(Hastily closing door.)_ Hello. _(The Man hesitates, looks around, and starts to cross to left.)_ PRINCE _(Plucking him by the arm.)_ Well? MAN _(Pausing, and then, as if discovering reason for his detention.)_ Oh! _(Sits down on bench and proceeds to remove moccasins.)_ PRINCE Masks must be lifted at the door, you know. MAN _(In muffled voice.)_ And give myself away? Oh, no. PRINCE The doorkeeper's lips are sealed. I give nobody's identity away. Come on, let's see who you are.