Maxey 199 



them for their foolhardiness in coming to that unin- 

 habited region ; and seemed to take especial delight 

 in forming drifts to obscure the trail. 



Herbert sought the shelter of an overhanging 

 rock, and built a fire of such twigs and branches 

 as he could find. For a few hours it burned 

 warmly ; but fuel was scarce, and the storm grew 

 fiercer. At last the fire went out entirely, and the 

 darkness that preceded day settled down upon them. 

 Herbert could feel Maxey standing beside the rock 

 and shivering from the cold, while he walked up 

 and down to keep his own body warm. But the 

 patient animal stood with his back to the wind, 

 motionless and uncomplaining. 



As soon as the first signs of daylight made their 

 appearance, Herbert and his companion resumed their 

 march. It was a weary task. At times the trail 

 would be clear, where the winds had carried away 

 the snow, and again it would be entirely obscured. 

 For hours the two struggled on, buffeted by the storm 

 and faint from their exertions. Herbert was a brave 

 man, but his courage could not long withstand the 

 fury of the elements. He grew weaker and weaker. 



