noon
The hollow at the foot of the crag was shadowy , and the snow had piled up several feet above the bank , and lapped over at one end . Still , with wood enough , they could keep warm ; and had their supplies been larger they would have been content to rest . As things were , however , they were confronted with perhaps the gravest peril that threatens the traveler in the North -- the possibility of being detained by bad weather until their food ran out . None of them spoke of this , but by tacit agreement they made a very sparing breakfast , and ate nothing at noon . When night came , and the storm still raged , their hearts were very heavy . It lasted three days , and on the fourth morning it seemed scarcely possible to face the somewhat lighter wind and break a trail through the fresh snow . However , they dare risk no further delay .