noon
Victor was chief adviser . He made them take a supply of essences and `` trade . '' He told them of the disposition of Man-of-the-Snow-Hill , the Moosefoot chief , assuring them he would sell his soul for strong drink . No encouragement was left ungiven , and , well before noon , the dogs stood ready in the traces . A hearty farewell ; then out upon the white trail Nick strung the willing beasts , and the flurry of loose surface-snow that flew in their wake hid the sled as the train glided away to the far northeast . Victor stood watching the receding figures till the hiss of the runners died down in the distance , and the driving voice of Nick became lost in the grey solitude . The northern trail held them and he felt safe .