"Plum tuckered out, that's what's the matter.

They need a rest." "Rest be blanked," said Hal, with his beardless lips; and Mercedes said, "Oh!" in pain and sorrow at the oath.
But she was a clannish creature, and rushed at once to the defence of her brother.

"Never mind that man," she said pointedly.

"You're driving our dogs, and you do what you think best with them." Again Hal's whip fell upon the dogs.

They threw themselves against the breast-bands, dug their feet into the packed snow, got down low to it, and put forth all their strength.