two minutes to twelve
We will start at noon . '' At noon the White Guard stood in front of the store on which the British flag was hoisted with another beneath it bearing the magic letters , H.B.C. : magic , because they opened to the world regions that seemed destined never to know the touch of civilisation . The few inhabitants of the fort were gathered at the store ; the dogs and loaded sleds were at the door . It wanted but two minutes to twelve when Hume came from his house , dressed also in the white blanket costume , and followed by his dog , Bouche . In a moment more he had placed Bouche at the head of the first team of dogs . They were to have their leader too . Punctually at noon , Hume shook hands with the factor , said a quick good-bye to the rest , called out a friendly `` How ! ''