It got dark as we followed the creek and clouds drifted over the moon, but I wanted to find shelter and pushed on.

Once or twice the ice cracked ominously, but it held until we came to a spot where the stream got narrower between high, rocky banks.
"The leader stopped and growled, at the edge of an open crack.

His instinct warned him of danger, but I knew I could not get up the rough bank with my lame foot, and drove him past.

As I limped by his side with the whip, I thought I heard the current gurgle under the ice, but we went on, the dogs snuffing and treading cautiously.

Then there was a soft thud and a splash, the team was jerked back and I saw that the sledge had vanished.