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 flakes fell faster and faster and by bedtime the storm had girded up its loins and turned into a raging one. It meant business, for there was no promise of a lull. A large body of old snow still lay on the ground and by morning over a foot had been added to it while it was still falling furiously. The air was filled with great feathery flakes and the way the snow piled up was amazing. The wind increased every hour and by ten o'clock great clouds of snow were sent whirling about and piling up so that it was impossible to see beyond a few feet.

The De Veres grew anxious. No sound of a locomotive's whistle since seven o'clock and now it was noon.

"They are probably in New York City," said Mr. De Vere.

"But the train leaves there at seven o'clock and at that time no one could have expected this Dakota blizzard," Mrs. De Vere protested.

The house, substantial as it was, shook with the fury of the raging tempest. Long before