But both Bija and Mirak, and even Roy, being light, found the surface hard enough to bear them; so they ran on ahead and chattered and laughed, the whole business being to them a huge joke.

Thus an hour passed cheerfully enough; then Bija began to get tired, and Foster-father took her in his arms.

The result sent his heart into his mouth with sudden fear, sudden certainty that no help could come that way.

Even her slight additional weight sent him almost waist deep into the snow.

He could scarcely move! And ere long the Heir-to-Empire would doubtless weary also; then what was to be done?
For every hour after midnight would bring the thawing sun nearer and nearer; they might have to remain on the Pass till night brought frost again, and in that case what would become of the children?
Then suddenly his eye caught Tumbu, who was marching along sullenly, Down nestling, fast clawed in his broad, furry back.