The race has grown more desperate and more wild as the stampede neared the sea.

The weaker reindeer have been thrown down, and trampled to death by their stronger fellows.

A thousand sharp hoofs have crushed and cut through hide and flesh and bone.

Ever swifter and more terrible in their motion, the ruthless herd has raced onward, careless of the slain, careless of food, careless of any drink but the sharp salt water ahead of them.

And when at last the Laplanders reach the shore their deer are once more quietly grazing, once more tame and docile, once more ready to drag the sledge whithersoever they are guided.