"Much better, yes. I am afraid I ought to give you back your muffler, Paul," he added.
"No indeed—please keep it," begged the young actor.
Alice reached beneath the blanket and pressed his hand in appreciation.
"Thanks," he laughed.
"It is I who thank you," she returned, softly.
They were now out in the open road, and the fury of the blast struck them with all its cruel force.
"Keep covered up!" shouted Mr. Macksey, through the visor of his cap, which was pulled down over his face. "We'll be there pretty soon."
On through the drifts plunged the straining horses. It was all six of them could do, pull as they might, to make their way. How cruelly the wind cut, and how the snow flakes stung! Soft as they really were, the wind gave them the feeling of pieces of sand and stone.
On through the storm went the delayed party. And then, when each one, in spite of his or her fortitude, was almost giving up in despair at the cold and the anxiety Mr. Macksey shouted out;