Christian remained silent.

Sweyn put his hands on his shoulders again and vainly tried to see
his face in the darkness.

"We have never quarrelled yet, Christian?"

"I have never quarrelled," returned the other, aware for the first
time that his dictatorial brother had sometimes offered occasion
for quarrel, had he been ready to take it.

"Well," said Sweyn emphatically, "if you speak against White Fell
to any other, as to-night you have spoken to me--we shall."

He delivered the words like an ultimatum, turned sharp round, and
re-entered the house. Christian, more fearful and wretched than
before, followed.

"Snow is falling fast: not a single light is to be seen."

White Fell's eyes passed over Christian without apparent notice,
and turned bright and shining upon Sweyn.

"Nor any signal to be heard?" she queried. "Did you not hear the
sound of a sea-horn?"

"I saw nothing, and heard nothing; and signal or no signal, the
heavy snow would keep you here perforce."

She smiled her thanks beautifully. And Christian's heart sank like