This new road had chiefly two features which recommended
it to me. Firstly, about thirty-eight miles out of
forty-five led through a fairly well settled district
where I could hope to find a chain of short-haul trails.
The widest gap in this series of settlements was one of
two miles where there was wild land. The remaining seven
miles, it is true, led across that wilderness on the east
side of which lay Bell's farm. This piece, however, I
knew so well that I felt sure of finding my way there by
night or day in any reasonable kind of weather. Nor did
I expect to find it badly drifted. And secondly, about
twenty-nine miles from "home" I should pass within one
mile of a town which boasted of boarding house and livery
stable, offering thus, in case of an emergency, a convenient
stopping place.
I watched the sky rather anxiously, not so much on my
own account as because my wife, seeing me start, would
worry a good deal should that start be made in foul
weather. At nine the sky began to get grey in spots.
Shortly after a big cloud came sailing up, and I went
out to watch it. And sure enough, it had that altogether
loose appearance, with those wind-torn, cottony appendages
hanging down from its darker upper body which are sure
to bring snow.
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