It's likely to be a long hard tramp and David and I are going alone this morning because we can travel faster.
If we don't find Jamie by noon we'll come back after you and the other lads.

You'll be fresh and rested then for the afternoon's search.

We can't give it up till we find Jamie." "I'd be keepin' up with you," protested Andy.
"If you go we'll have to take some of the others," objected Doctor Joe.

"The snow is deep and they'll not be able to travel as fast as we shall.

Let us go alone and if we need you we'll come for you." And so it was arranged.
Presently David and Doctor Joe set forth in the frosty starlit morning.