The snow was deepening fast; and we knew, by the diminished speed of the train, that the engine was plowing through it with steadily increasing difficulty.

Indeed, it almost came to a dead halt sometimes, in the midst of great drifts that piled themselves like colossal graves across the track.

Conversation began to flag.

Cheerfulness gave place to grave concern.

The possibility of being imprisoned in the snow, on the bleak prairie, fifty miles from any house, presented itself to every mind, and extended its depressing influence over every spirit.
"At two o'clock in the morning I was aroused out of an uneasy slumber by the ceasing of all motion about me.