CHAPTER XIX.
IN THE NICK OF TIME.
Snow! snow! snow! in flakes and flurries it fell from the skies to the earth as though there were no end to it. Not until ten o'clock of the following morning did the soft avalanche cease, and by that time so much had fallen that Abel was lifted on to the roof of the van to sweep away the snowy coverlet which had become threatening through its weight, while Cæsar shook off the snow that seemed to be trying to hide the canvas which sheltered Steady.
He gave the old horse the remainder of the hay, and went back inside the van to consult with Nadine as to what had best be done. Nalla appeared to be still suffering, but able to stand upon his great legs.
The three children stood at the door of the van and gazed eagerly over the wide white plain, and then up at the sky. The latter looked decidedly unpromising. There was no hint of a change for the better in the weather.
"Well, we certainly can't stay here!" exclaimed Cæsar in a tone of decision. "We must find some way of getting out of this fix, or we shall all die."
"But how, my dear brother?" asked Nadine despondently.
"I'll do what I said at first," responded Cæsar. "I'll set out alone for Mamezan. I'll then hire a man and a horse to help us and I'll procure some food."
"It seems the only thing to do," said Nadine with an anxious sigh. "You'd better go, dear, but oh! be very careful!"
They had their breakfast, and Nadine after an examination of their larder, announced that there was sufficient food left to do Abel and her until night if Cæsar did not get back sooner. So tying a big handkerchief over his hat that it might protect his face as much as possible, buttoning up his coat tightly, and taking a short stick, he embraced Nadine and Abel, and was ready to start.