noon
Luckily a light wind had sprung up against them . They proceeded as quietly and as swiftly as they could . In a short time they came to a spot where Jingoss had boiled tea . This indicated that he must have started late in the morning to have accomplished only so short a distance before noon . The trail , too , became fresher . Billy , the regular lead dog , on this occasion occupied his official position ahead , although , as has been pointed out , he was sometimes alternated with the hound , who now ran just behind him . Third trotted Wolf , a strong beast , but a stupid ; then Claire , at the sledge , sagacious , alert , ready to turn the sledge from obstruction .