The passing of each day had made her more intimately a part of him, and a secret part.

He could not tell people about her.

He even made evasions when questioned about his business and experiences at Cordova and up the coast.

Curiously, she seemed nearer to him when he was away from other men and women.

He remembered it had been that way with his father, who was always happiest when in the deep mountains or the unending tundras.