We'll let the horses rest one day." About the middle of the afternoon, on the day following the one on which this conversation had taken place, Jonas and the farmer began to load up the box sleigh, in order to have it ready for the morning.

He had about forty miles to go, and he wanted to get to market, deliver his load, and return five or ten miles that same evening.
It was quite cold that afternoon, and it seemed to be growing colder and colder.

Jonas got the box sleigh ready under a shed, first shoveling in some snow under the runners, in order that the horses might draw the sled out easily, when it was loaded.

He put in the various articles of produce, which were contained in bags, and firkins, and boxes.

Over these he spread blankets and buffalo-skins, and put in a bag of oats for his horses, and a box of bread and cheese for himself.