Evening star., 1938-01-16

'Pish tush. am going to take chanoe!"
She shook her head soberly. Il thought you
didn't like chances, Randy. Guess I'm the
only coward present.
I'm scared of the trail, but at night wont4
see the gorge down below. That will help. Be-
sides, you see, want to get there can"
oh" She nodded. ''Of course you would.
Sometimes almost forget about your liking
champagne, Randy"
But when the caravan of dozen cars reached
the end of their road at noon the next day in
light, drifting snowstorm and while the party
broke out their skis for the three mile climb.
Martha sought out Quen. Don't you think we
ought to phone Randy from the Rangers cabin,
back down the road? Coming up after dark
tonight won't be healthy in this SNOW"
Quen looked at her with the odd, deep glance
she had met several times of Late He said.
Don't worry; Randy won't take any chances"
Then he smiled and her heart leapt in the old
way. THAT powder blue ski suit does things to
your eyes, Martha"
Then Suzanne tramped alongside in the
square-t -toed boots that looked 50 absurd on her
delicate person and Martha knew that Quen
was aware only of Suzanne. Suzanne was more
than champagne: she was sunny late after
noon in snow valley, all gold and rose and
white, with her rich white woolens tailored to
her slenderness and her gold -finged eyes the
color of sunlight, and her soft, clear voice that
sang with hint of French accent from her
schooling abroad.
"Quen darling, she laughed, they're want
ing to take motion pictures of us back here -
the sillies!"
After they had gone, Martha set about the
weary business of keeping her skis going for
ward To the east, as they climbed, the snow
sifted down thicker and finer grained across
the gorge until it seemed skier could step
from the ridge and ride across to the dim loom
of peaks beyond.
When they reached the lodge an hour later.
the cook, whom Suzanne had imported, had
steaming spioed wine and sweet biscuits ready
for them. A fire leapt and roared from pitchy
cedar logs in the giants fireplace that occupied
one entire side of the lodge. The party was very
gay. While they ironed wax into their slis,
there were highballs and few riotous stories
to tell. Before Suzanne's advent it had been
unwritten law that nothing heavier than wine
belonged on ski trips.
Once or twice, Martha went to the window to
peer into the darkening gloom. Upon reaching
the lodge, she had tried to phone the Rangers
cabin and found the line dead. Frilled wells
lashed past the windows and drifts were piling
halfway to the sashes.
''What night" said familiar voice at her
elbow. I'm glad I'm not out in that"
She turned eagerly. 'Quen, I'm worried
about Randy"
Quen's mouth smiled but his eyes were ques-
tioning. Here I'm going to be married ip
few hours and you spend your time worrying
about somebody else. Spare my uide!'
She tried to match his light mood and failed.
Seriously. Quen, you know that trail is danger
Gus tonight Couldn't you meet Randy?"
He drew sharp breath. "In that storm?
"Why not? You're such a good skier and you
know the trail by heart"
YOU'D want me " He foundered for
barest instant then smoothly regained his poise.
Look here. dear, you're wrought up about this
wedding business. mean.
(Cossisvsd a. sexf paos)