They were forced to take the door off its hinges to open it, for the snow had piled up so high that the chimney alone of the hut remained above its surface.

With great difficulty and labor they cleared a way out, and then the guide again placing himself at their head, they proceeded on their way.

The air was still and cold, and the sky of a deep, dark blue, which seemed even darker in contrast with the whiteness of the snow.

At times they had great difficulty in struggling through the deep drifts; but for the most part the wind had swept the path clear.

Where it was deepest, the tops of the posts still showed above the snow, and enabled the guide to direct their footsteps.