The snow was good for traveling, the dogs trotted fast, and the half-breed grunted approval of their speed as he pointed to landmarks that proved it when they stopped at noon.

After that they held on until dark, and made camp among a few junipers in the shelter of a rock.

All had gone well the first day; Harding's leg no longer troubled him; and there was comfort in traveling light with their packs on the sled.

The journey began to look less formidable.

Gathering close round the fire, they prepared their supper cheerfully, while the dogs fought over scraps of frozen fish.