noon
Martin undertook that task until they had cleared a pathway to the hunter 's lodge , in which the animals were shut up every night . By the advice of Martin , the snow next the palisades was piled up against the palings like a wall , as high as they could reach or throw it , by which means they got rid of the snow about the house , and at the same time formed a barrier against the freezing winds which they had to expect . All worked hard ; Percival and John were of great use , and even Mrs Campbell and the girls assisted collecting the remainder of the snow , and clearing it off the window-sills and other parts . By noon the snow left off falling , the sky cleared up , and the sun shone bright , although it gave out but little warmth . After dinner they renewed their labours , and commenced clearing away a path to the lodge , where the cows were locked in , and before nightfall they had accomplished their task as far as the bridge over the stream , which was about half-way . It had been a day of great fatigue , and they were glad to retire to rest . Mrs Campbell and the girls had put an additional supply of blankets and skins upon the beds , for the cold was now intense , and the thermometer stood far below the freezing point .