"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.