The round sheepfold in the first field looked no larger than a finger ring.

She was getting numb and the rush of bitter air took away her breath.
"Hold tight!" Thorn shouted presently and she noted that the hillside broke off not far in front.
Since there were no crags near the spot, it was obvious that they had come to an extra steep pitch, the brow of which prevented her from seeing the bottom.

Next moment the sledge seemed to leave the ground and leap forward.

Grace thought that for some yards they traveled through the air, and then the hiss of the runners that had suddenly stopped became a scream.

The speed was bewildering and a haze of fine snow streamed past.
By and by, however, this began to thin, the speed slackened, and Thorn gave a warning shout.