The snow was deep enough to be a great disadvantage, more to dog than to fox, since weight counted as such a handicap.
Unconsciously Skookum slowed up.

The fox increased his headway; then audaciously turned around and sat down in the snow.
This was too much for the dog.

He wasted about a lungful of air in an angry bark, and again went after the enemy.

Again the chase was round and round, but very soon the dog was so wearied that he sat down, and now the black fox actually came back and barked at him.
It was maddening.

Skookum's pride was touched.
He was in to win or break.