The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.
Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

He and Bryant moved to and fro constantly, giving encouragement or lending a hand to help start a stalled fresno.