And what's more, unless yo're aimin' to stop here somewhat of a spell, we'll have to make out to-day." We cooked with freezing fingers, ate while dodging avalanches from the trees, and packed reluctantly.

The ropes were frozen, the hobbles stiff, everything either crackling or wet.

Finally the task was finished.

We took a last warming of the fingers and climbed on.
The country was wonderfully beautiful with the white not yet shaken from the trees and rock ledges.

Also it was wonderfully slippery.