by a covered hall or passageway crouched another squat building of the
same character, its roof piled thick with a mass of snow, its windows
glowing. Those warm squares of light, set into the black walls and
overhung by white-burdened eaves, gave the place the appearance of a
Christmas-card, it was so snug and cozy. Even the glitter was there,
caused by the rays refracted from the facets of the myriad frost-crystals.

They mounted the steps of the nigh building, and, without knocking, flung
the door open, entered, then tossed their bundles to the floor. With a
sharp exclamation at this unceremonious intrusion, an Indian woman, whom
they had surprised, dropped her task and regarded them, round-eyed.

"We're all right this time," observed Emerson, as he swept the place with
his eyes. "It's a store." Then to the woman he said, briefly: "We want a
bed and something to eat."

On every side the walls were shelved with merchandise, while the counter
carried a supply of clothing, skins, and what not; a cylindrical stove in
the centre of the room emanated a hot, red glow.

"This looks like the Waldorf to me," said "Fingerless" Fraser, starting to
remove his parka, the fox fringe on the hood of which was white from his
breath.

"What you want?" demanded the squaw, coming forward.

Boyd, likewise divesting himself of his furs, noticed that she was little
more than a girl--a native, undoubtedly; but she was neatly dressed, her
skin was light, and her hair twisted into a smooth black knot at the back
of her head.