378 THE END OF THE WINTER 



The day for our actual start could not be fixed; we 

 should have to wait until the temperature moderated 

 somewhat. So long as it continued to grovel in the 

 depths, we could not think of setting out. All our 

 things were now ready up on the Barrier, and nothing 

 remained but to harness the dogs and start. When I 

 say all our things were ready, this is not the impression 

 anyone would have gained who looked in on us; the 

 cutting out and sewing were going on w r orse than ever. 

 What had previously occurred to one as a thing of 

 secondary importance, which might be done if there was 

 time, but might otherwise quite well be dropped, now 

 suddenly appeared as the most important part of the 

 whole outfit; and then out came the knife and cut 

 away, until great heaps of offcuts and hair lay about the 

 floor; then the needle was produced, and seam after 

 seam added to those there were already. 



The days went by, and the temperature would give 

 no sign of spring; now and then it would make a jump 

 of about thirty degrees, but only to sink just as rapidly 

 back to - 58 F. It is not at all pleasant to hang about 

 waiting like this; I always have the idea that I am the 

 only one who is left behind, while all the others are out 

 on the road. And I could guess that I was not the 

 only one of us who felt this. 



"I'd give something to know how far Scott is to-day." 



' Oh, he's not out yet, bless you ! It's much too cold 

 for his ponies." 



