Now then, are you ready ?" The lariat rope, tied to Hamlin's pommel, straightened out and was grasped desperately by the gloved hands of the men behind.

The Sergeant, shading his eyes, half smothered in the blast, could see merely ill-defined shadows.
"All caught ?" The answers were inaudible.
"For the Lord's sake, speak up; answer now--Wasson." "Here." "Wade." "Here." "Carroll." "Here." "Good; now come on after me." He drove his horse forward, head bent low over the compass, one arm flung up across his mouth to prevent inhaling the icy air.

He felt the tug of the line; heard the labored breathing of the next horse behind, but saw nothing except that wall of swirling snow pellets hurled against him by a pitiless wind, fairly lacerating the flesh.

It was freezing cold; already he felt numb, exhausted, heavy-eyed.

The air seemed to penetrate his clothing, and prick the skin as with a thousand needles.