We then discussed the situation, which to say the least, looked pretty blue.
Knowing that, owing to our mishaps, we could not do anything more that winter, and as I dreaded the idea of lying there on my back with a broken leg for weeks, and perhaps months, I prevailed upon Harrington to go the nearest settlement--about 125 miles distant--to obtain a yoke of cattle, and then come back for me.
This he consented to do; but before leaving he gathered plenty of wood, and as the ground was covered with snow, I would have no difficulty in getting water if I had a fire.

There was plenty of fresh meat and other provisions in the "dug-out," so that I had no fears of starvation.

The "dugout," which we had built immediately after we had determined to remain there all winter, was a very cosy hole in the ground, covered with poles, grass and sod, with a fireplace in one end.
Harrington thought it would take him twenty days or more to make the round trip; but being well provided for--for this length of time--I urged him to go at once.

Bidding me good-bye he started on foot.

After his departure, each day, as it came and went, seemed to grow longer to me as I lay there helpless and alone.