Meanwhile Rod was chopping through the thick ice of the lake in search of water.
After a little Wabi came down to join him.
"Our sledge is ready," he said, as Rod stopped to rest for a moment.
"We're a little short on grub for nine dogs and three people, but we've got plenty of ammunition.

We ought to find something on the trail." "Rabbits, anyway," suggested Rod, resuming his chopping.

A few more strokes, and water gushed through.

Filling two pails the boys returned to camp.
The shadows from the sharp pointed cedars of the forest were falling far out upon the frozen lake when the meal was finished, and the sun, sinking early to its rest beyond the homeless solitudes, infused but little warmth as the three hunters prepared to leave.

It was only three o'clock, but a penetrating chill was growing in the air.