It was a woman’s, high and petulant, and strangely familiar.

“Is this Collamer 23-R-2?”

Daryl’s voice was very low and guarded as she answered, “Yes.” It seemed to the listener that it also sounded somewhat relieved.

“Well, is Mr. Alan Monteith there?”

“Yes,” said Daryl, still more softly. He knew she was trying not to wake him up.

“Well, won’t you call him to the phone at once?”

There was the smallest perceptible hesitation, and then Daryl answered pleasantly in almost a whisper, “I’m sorry. He has gone to bed.”

“That doesn’t make any difference!” said the imperious voice on the telephone. “Tell him it is Crag Mountain calling, the Wyndringhams’ place, the Ledge. He’ll understand. Call him quickly, please. I’m in a hurry. I’ve been trying to find him all day.”

Daryl’s voice was still quiet, but very decided.

“I really couldn’t wake Mr. Monteith tonight,” she said. “He has had a very exhausting tramp through the mountains in the storm, and barely escaped with his life. If you will give me a message I will tell him to call you in the morning, but he mustn’t be disturbed now!”

“Well, really!” said Demeter Cass. “Who are you, anyway? An operator?”

“No,” giggled Daryl softly, “I’m Miss Devereaux.”

“I never heard of you!” said Demeter Cass. “What right have you to judge whether I shall speak with Mr. Monteith or not? I guess you don’t know who I am.”

“No,” said Daryl with sweet dignity, “but it wouldn’t make any difference. Mr. Monteith must not be disturbed tonight. Nor for anything.”

“Well, you’re fortunately not in a position to judge. Will you call Mr. Monteith at once? Tell him Miss Cass is calling. Demeter Cass. You’ll see what he thinks of you for hindering me from talking with him.”

Then Daryl, very gravely, very quietly said, “Miss Cass, you do not understand. Mr. Monteith has been for six hours struggling through almost impassable drifts, on foot, lost on the mountain and in great danger. He and my brother nearly lost their lives in this storm. They were almost on the verge of unconsciousness when they finally reached here, and it would not be safe to disturb Mr. Monteith tonight.”

“And what business did your brother have leading him off on the mountain in all this snow, I should like to know?” Demeter Cass had a nasty snarl in her voice. “If your brother chose to go on a fool’s errand taking medicine to an old woman, what right had he to drag Mr. Monteith into it? I think this should be looked into. Mr.