It seemed interminable, this snow-bound trail.

But at last he crossed Sarita Creek (with but a single glance at the canon's mouth where the two cabins stood untenanted and abandoned among the naked trees) and then covered the long miles to Diamond Creek, and rode up the lane between the rows of cottonwoods to the house, where Louise, who had perceived his approach from a window, appeared at the door to greet him.
"We were terribly alarmed for your safety the night of the blizzard," she said, "but the mail-man finally made his trip to Bartolo and back, and said you were still there and not blown away.

And he also stated that you were working night and day." "Not any more," said Lee, swinging from the saddle.
"You have finished! I can read it on your face!" she cried, joyfully.
"Yes; we threw out the last clod at one o'clock this morning." "I needn't tell you that I'm proud and happy; you know that, Lee.

Even happier than when I learned you were able to continue, at the time you supposed you were unable.

Put up your horse and come in.