Charnock joined him when he was grooming the horses in the rude stable, because the teams must be cared for before the men thought of food.  Supper was ready when they went in, and when they had eaten they sat by the hearth, drying their damp clothes and enjoying the warmth.  They had scarcely spoken to one another during the day; as a rule, it was only after supper one could indulge in talk.

Presently Charnock took his pipe from his mouth.  “It’s luxuriously warm, but one can’t expect the Chinook to last.  I imagine we’ll have some use for a stove after all.”

“We’re not out of danger yet,” Festing replied.  “Norton’s cheque has still to be earned, but I begin to feel hopeful.  If we can hold out for a few more days, I think we’ll turn the corner.  Anyhow, the plan you made prevents any trouble from Wilkinson for a time.  Do you think he has had enough and will leave us alone?”

“I can’t tell, but it doesn’t matter much.  We mustn’t exaggerate the fellow’s importance; he’s a very poor sample of the theatrical villain.  Besides, I imagine you seldom meet the latter in real life; it’s an unnecessary part.”

“You mean we’re up against enough without a plotting antagonist?  Well, I must agree.  Considering the weather—­”

Charnock stopped him with a smile.  “I don’t mean the weather, though one can’t leave that out.  In a new country, man must make the best fight he can against Nature; but she’s not his worst enemy.  It’s our passions, our virtues sometimes, that lead us into a coil.  Looks as if they didn’t want much help from outside.”

“That kind of speculation’s not much in my line.”

“Just so.  You’re what you call practical, and your mind runs upon the number of yards of rockwork you can put up in a day or the logs you can cut.  Very useful, but it doesn’t take you far enough.  In fact, if you had thought more about other matters, you wouldn’t be here now.  Nor would I.”

“I’m not sure I see your drift,” said Festing impatiently.  “What’s your explanation for our being here?”

Charnock’s eyes twinkled.  “If you want the truth, it’s because you’re something of an obstinate ass.  Wilkinson had really nothing to do with it, and the weather hasn’t much.  Your pride brought you and keeps you.  You took the wrong line with Helen, and then, knowing you were wrong, couldn’t force yourself to accept her help.  However, I’ll admit that we are a pair of fools.  I could have spent a lazy winter at the homestead if I’d liked.”

“You came to look for me,” Festing remarked with feeling.

“I did, but stayed to please myself.  Thought I’d show Sadie what I could do; felt virtuous about it at the time, but begin to suspect that vanity pushed me on.  Sadie would, no doubt, sooner have me safe at home.  Anyhow, I think I’ve proved my argument—­we’re here, doing unthinkable things, freezing, sweating, getting thin, because of our own stupidity.”