about noon
Bouncer needed no whip , but followed closely at my heels , assisted by Alick when any hill had to be surmounted . At first we kept along the margin of the river ; then having ascended the bank , we found ourselves on level ground , covered by an almost unbroken sheet of snow , here and there only a line of trees showing themselves above the wide expanse of white . Captain Grey had given Alick a compass , which much assisted us in directing our course . The snow ceased about noon , and we halted in the open plain , to enjoy what was decidedly a cold collation , for there was no wood to light a fire , and we did not think it worth while to unpack our sleigh to put up the tent . We were more fortunate in the evening in reaching a thick grove , sheltered by which we encamped . On Pat 's sleigh were three short poles , over which the little tent was stretched . It was large enough to allow us four , with Bouncer , to creep inside , while the sleighs were placed one on one side and one on the other , to prevent the canvas from being blown away .