246 
THE STRAND MAGAZINE. 
THIS IS HOW THE DOG- 
A COUPLE OF TEAMS READY TO START 
“ The temperature, - 5 0 , is lower than I 
like in a blizzard.” But the blizzard lasted 
two days ; as it continued, it seemed to 
have a withering effect on the poor beasts, 
the driving particles of snow bombarding 
tender spots like nostrils and eyes, and 
preventing rest. Yet “ to my surprise, 
when the rugs were stripped from the 
‘ crocks 5 they appeared quite fresh and fit. 
Both Jehu and Chinaman had a skittish 
little run when their heads were loose. 
Chinaman indulged in a playful buck. All 
three started with their loads at a brisk pace. 
It was a great relief to find that they had not 
suffered at all from the blizzard. They went 
out six geographical miles, and our section 
going at a good round pace found them 
encamped as usual. After they had gone we 
waited for the rearguard to come up and 
joined with them. For the next five miles 
the bunch of seven kept together in fine style, 
and with wind dropping, sun gaining in power, 
and ponies going well, the march was a real 
pleasure. One gained confidence every 
moment in the animals ; they brought along 
their heavy loads without a hint of tiredness. 
All take the patches of soft snow with an easy 
stride, not bothering themselves at all. The 
majority halt now and again to get a mouthful 
of snow, but little Christopher goes through 
with a non-stop run.” 
The blizzard once over, all was full of 
promise. “ We are picking up last year’s 
cairns with grea$. ease and all show up very 
distinctly. This is extremely satisfactory for 
the homeward march. . . . Everyone is as fit 
as can be. . . . Men and ponies revel in such 
weather. One devoutly hopes for a good 
spell of it as we recede from the windy 
Northern region.” 
Fickle gleam of hope ! This was November 
9th, and even then “ There is an annoying 
little southerly wind blowing now, and this 
serves to show the beauty of our snow walls. 
The ponies are standing under their lee in the 
bright sun as comfortable as can possibly be.” 
“Very Horrid Marches.” 
But November 10th is the first of four 
