noon
Densely laden spruce boughs brushed the faces of the men and showered them with unexpected little avalanches . They took turns in going ahead of the team and breaking trail . It was heavy , muscle-grinding work . Before noon they were both utterly fatigued . They dragged forward through the slush , lifting their laden feet sluggishly . They must keep going , and they did , but it seemed to them that every step must be the last . Shortly after noon the storm wore itself out .