Once the first thread is laid, the road to be pursued is permanently established.
If the road does not vary, the speed does.

I measure nine centimetres (3 1/2 inches .-- Translator's Note.) a minute as the average distance covered.

But there are more or less lengthy halts; the pace slackens at times, especially when the temperature falls.

At ten o'clock in the evening the walk is little more than a lazy swaying of the body.

I foresee an early halt, in consequence of the cold, of fatigue and doubtless also of hunger.
Grazing-time has arrived.