At times the sound of snapping boughs was like stray rifle shots.
Paul watched the snow deepen before their door.

First an inch, then two, then four, then six, and on and on.

The roof began to strain and creak ominously beneath the great weight.

All rushed forth at once into the storm, and with poles and their rude shovels they thrust the great mass of accumulated snow from the roof.

This task they repeated at intervals throughout the three days, but they had little else to do, except cook, eat, and sleep.