Ralph himself was probably asleep at this moment, some ten miles or thereabouts farther up the road.
It was bitterly cold.

Robbie's hands and face were numbed.

The flakes of snow fell thicker and faster than before.
Robbie perceived that there was only one chance that would make it worth while to have come on this journey: the chance that he could overtake Ralph before the coach and its passengers could overtake him.
To do this he must walk the whole night through, let it rain or snow or freeze.
He could and he would do it! Bravely, Robbie! A greater issue than you know of hangs on your journey.

On! on! on!.