Mukoki and Wabigoon, more inured to the hardships of the wilderness, took only brief snatches of slumber, one or both awakening now and then to replenish the fire.

As soon as it was light enough the two Indians went quietly out into the spruce with their guns, and their shots a little later awakened Rod.

When they returned they brought three partridges with them.
"There are dozens of them among the spruce," said Wabi, "but just now we do not want to shoot any oftener than is absolutely necessary.

Have you noticed our last night's trail ?" Rod rubbed his eyes, thus confessing that as yet he had not been out from between his furs.
"Well, if you go out there in the open for a hundred yards you won't find it," finished his comrade.

"The snow has covered it completely." Although they lacked everything but meat, this breakfast in the spruce thicket was one of the happiest of the entire trip, and when the three hunters were done each had eaten of his partridge until only the bones were left.