I suppose it had broken through a snow-bridge that our weight had shaken.
"I scrambled back a yard or two and looked down into the dark gap--I could not run because of my galled foot.

Part of the sledge was covered by fallen snow, but the fore end rested on something and I leaned down and seized my blanket.

There was a bag of food beneath it that I tried to reach, but perhaps I shook the sledge, which began to slip down, and I saw the dogs roll among the traces as they were dragged towards the hole.

The leader clawed desperately at the snow, howling as if he begged my help, and I felt that I must save him.

You have heard a dog howl in fear or pain ?" "Yes," said Thirlwell, "it makes a strong appeal.