It was holding out its arms to him, understanding, welcoming, inspiring him to travel strongly and swiftly the space between.

And he was ready to answer its call.
He looked at his watch.

It was five o'clock in the afternoon.

He had spent a long day with the Russian, but he felt no desire for rest or sleep.

The musk-tang of the tundras, coming to him through the thin timber of the river-courses, worked like an intoxicant in his blood.