Exhausted and breathless they staggered back into the quietness of the cabin, feeling as though they had been beaten by clubs.

Once, desperate to attempt something, Hamlin suggested searching for the bodies of Wasson and Wade, but Hughes shook his head, staring at the other as though half believing him demented.

The Sergeant strode to the door and looked out into the smother of snow; then came back without a word of protest.
Carroll improved steadily, complaining of pain where the frost had nipped exposed flesh, yet able to sit up, and eat heartily.

There remained a numbness in his feet and legs, however, which prevented his standing alone, and both the others realized that he would have to be left behind when the storm abated.

Hughes would go without doubt; on this point the Sergeant was determined.