Throw your weight against the gee-pole, right and left, and break it out." A third time the attempt was made, but this time, following the advice, Hal broke out the runners which had been frozen to the snow.

The overloaded and unwieldy sled forged ahead, Buck and his mates struggling frantically under the rain of blows.

A hundred yards ahead the path turned and sloped steeply into the main street.

It would have required an experienced man to keep the top-heavy sled upright, and Hal was not such a man.

As they swung on the turn the sled went over, spilling half its load through the loose lashings.