about noon
The cold was below zero and no work could be done in the diggings until a rise in temperature came . It was hardly light , however , on the succeeding morning , when three of the miners accompanied Maurice Dawson in his search for the abandoned wagon and team . There was not a trace of anything resembling a trail , the footprints of the man having been obliterated by the wind-driven snow , and the skill of the party was taxed to the utmost . Several times they were compelled to rest , and Dawson himself suggested that the search be given up until a change in the weather ; but the kind hearted men saw how deeply he grieved , and their sympathy kept them toiling until about noon when success came . The wagon was so covered with snow that it resembled a hummock , which ordinarily would have been passed without notice . The horses and the inanimate form within were like blocks of wood . The slight figure was lifted tenderly from its resting place and brought to Dead Man 's Gulch .