"Couldn't you see?" she asked, breathlessly.
He shook his head. "I'm such a dreamer. I'm afraid it—can't be true. I'm afraid you'll go away and—leave me. You won't ever—will you, Eliza? I couldn't stand that." Then fresh realization of the truth swept over him; they clung to each other, drunk with ecstasy, senseless of their surroundings.
"I thought you cared for Natalie," she said, softly, after a while.
"It was always you."
"Always?"
"Always!"
She turned her lips to his, and lifted her entwining arms.
The breakfast-gong had called the men away before the two figures far out upon the bridge picked their way slowly to the shore. The Salmon was still flooded with hurrying masses of ice, as it would continue to be for several days, but it was running free; the channel in front of the glacier was open.
Blaine was the first to shake O'Neil's hand, for the members of Murray's crew held aloof in some embarrassment.
"It's a perfect piece of work," said he. "I congratulate you."