The wind, too, had died out somewhat, so that it was comparatively easy travelling now. Together the girls made their way over the snow toward the smaller of the two cabins, that being the nearer.
They reached it, struggling, panting and out of breath, and after waiting a moment, to allow their laboring hearts to quiet down, that they might speak less brokenly, Alice knocked at the door. There was no answer.
"Oh, suppose they should not be home?" cried Ruth.
"That seems to be the case," spoke Alice, as she knocked again, without result.
"What shall we do—go to the other cabin?" asked Ruth.
"Let's see if this one is open," proposed Alice. "They may be hospitable enough to have left the door unlocked."
As she spoke she tried the latch. Somewhat to her surprise the door did open, and then to the astonishment of both girls they found themselves in an unoccupied cabin.
"Oh dear!" cried Ruth. "What a disappointment!"
"Isn't it?" agreed Alice. "Well, we can try the other."
They stood for a moment in the main room of the small cabin, and looked about. There was nothing in it save a few boxes.