"If we make the factory tonight, we'll get a good supper." "You don't mention what will happen if we miss it," Harding commented with grim humor.

"Anyway, that piece of meat won't make much difference.

What do you think, Blake ?" Blake forced a cheerful laugh.
"Put it all in; we're going to make the post; as a matter of fact, we have to! How's the leg this morning ?" "I don't think it's worse than it was last night," Harding answered.
"If I'm careful how I go, it ought to stand another journey." He made a grimace as he stretched out the limb.

It was very sore, for during the last few days the strain the snowshoe threw on the muscles had nearly disabled him.

Now, he knew it would be difficult to hold out for another journey; but he had grown accustomed to pain and weariness and hunger.