noon
It is not pleasant to be alone with painful thoughts in the White Silence . The silence of gloom is merciful , shrouding one as with protection and breathing a thousand intangible sympathies ; but the bright White Silence , clear and cold , under steely skies , is pitiless . An hour passed -- two hours -- but the man would not die . At high noon the sun , without raising its rim above the southern horizon , threw a suggestion of fire athwart the heavens , then quickly drew it back . Malemute Kid roused and dragged himself to his comrade 's side . He cast one glance about him . The White Silence seemed to sneer , and a great fear came upon him .