Besides, it was possible that he might be able to get some supplies.
As he pushed through the willows the savage wind pierced him to the bone.

The dry branches rattled and the pines upon the ridge above wailed drearily.

The sky was clear and the frozen river, running back, white and level, through the dusky forest, glittered in the light of a half moon.

This was all that Thirlwell saw for a few minutes, and then a twinkling light in the distance fixed his attention.

It flickered, got brighter, and faded, and he knew it was a fire.
After a time he and the _Metis_ left the river and climbed the steep bank.