Why ?" inquired Jonathan Leavitt, with a dazed look.
"Home?
What are you headed this way for?
What are all those things on the sled ?" "She's lived out her place, an' the town's jest took it; guess you didn't know, Richard," said Jonathan Leavitt.

His eyes upon the other man were half shrewdly inquiring, half bewildered.
Sylvia never turned her head.

She sat with her eyes closed behind her veil.
[Illustration: "Sylvia never turned her head"] "Just turn that sled 'round," said Richard Alger.
"Turn the sled 'round ?" "Yes, turn it 'round!" Richard himself grasped the bay horse by the bit as he spoke.

"Back, back!" he shouted.
"What are you doin' on, Richard ?" cried the old man; but he pulled his right rein mechanically, and the sled slewed slowly and safely around.
Richard jumped on and stood just beside Sylvia, holding to a stake.
"Where d'ye want to go ?" asked the old man.
"Back." "But the town--" "I'll take care of the town." Jonathan Leavitt drove back.

Sylvia opened her eyes a little way, and saw Richard's back.