noon
After two days of travel there was a yellow sunset , and the snow gleamed in the lurid light with an ominous brilliance , while as they made their fire a moaning wind got up . These things presaged a change in the weather , and they were rather silent over the evening meal . They missed the half-breed and the snarling dogs , while it looked as if the good fortune that had so far attended them was coming to an end . Next morning there was a low , brooding sky , and at noon snow began to fall , but they kept on until evening over very rough ground and then held a council round the fire . `` The situation requires some thought , '' Blake remarked . `` First of all , our provisions wo n't carry us through the timber belt . Now the shortest course to the prairie , where the going will be easier , is due south , but after we get there we 'll have a long march to the settlements .