Not a tree, not a shrub, not even a rock broke the dead monotony.

All was loneliness and silence.

The snow lay gleaming and untrampled, except as here and there a dull brown patch of dead grass darkened the side of a hill.

Hamlin shadowed his eyes with gloved hands, studying intently inch by inch the wide domain.

Suddenly he arose in his stirrups, bending eagerly forward.
"By heaven! There they are, Hughes," he exclaimed, feeling the hot blood course through his veins.