The Lieutenant-Governor's face grew serious.

"No. He must have been held up. I doubt, now, if he can get here in time."

"He must!" Hector struggled to sit up in bed. "So much depends on it. He must get through. He cannot fail us, surely——"

The Lieutenant-Governor put out a hand.

"Don't excite yourself, Adair. Take it quietly, man; take it quietly."

The Superintendent fell back exhausted.

"Has the blizzard died down?"

"Yes. There's still a chance."

"Well, we must get ready."

"But you're really not fit."