noon
But when a heavy fall such as I have described takes place , especially in spring , and the weather grows comparatively warm , the traveller 's circumstances change greatly for the worse . The new snow being light permits him to sink deep into it -- perhaps eight or ten inches -- at every step ; being also soft , that which falls upon the shoes can not pass through the netting , but sticks there , giving him many extra pounds weight to lift as he goes heavily along . Add to this that his thick winter garb becomes oppressive in mild weather , and you will perceive that Macnab 's duties as beater of the track were severe . At first their progress was very slow , for it was through the thick woods , where fallen trees and bushes obstructed them as well as deep snow , but towards noon they came out on a more open country -- in summer a swamp ; at that time a frozen plain -- and the travelling improved , for a slight breeze had already begun to make an impression on the new snow in exposed places . `` Now , Big Otter , '' said Macnab , coming to a halt , `` we 'll have some grub here , and then you will take a turn in front . '' The Indian was ready for anything . So were the dogs -- especially for `` grub . ''