The sudden changes incident to the mountain atmosphere were evidenced in
the opaque density of the fog that had ensued on the crystalline
clearness of the sunset. It hung like a curtain from the zenith to the
depths of the valley, obscuring all the world. It had climbed the cliffs;
it was shifting in and out among the pillars of the veranda; it even
crossed the threshold as the door was opened, then shrank back
ghostly-wise, dissolving at the touch of the warm home radiance. As the
lamp-light flickered out, illuminating its pervasive pallor, the
new-comer urged a very lame horse to the steps of the veranda. The two
friends waiting within looked at each other in uncertainty as to their
policy in admitting the stranger. Then as his rapid footfalls sounded on
the veranda, and a stalwart figure appeared in the doorway, Briscoe
tilted the shade of the lamp on the table to throw its glare full on the
new-comer's face, and broke forth with an acclaim of recognition and
welcome.
To be sure, he was but a casual acquaintance, and Briscoe's cordiality
owed something of its fervor to his relief to find that the visitor was
of no untoward antecedents and intentions.
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