With fine courage, Gretchen made preparations for departure. She slipped on her parka and mittens, got the hand-sled out of the lean-to, dusted off its mantle of fresh snow, and drew it to the cabin ready to load. She could hardly trust herself to speak. Even when she tried to address Ugruk, her lips trembled and her voice broke. “We must get ready, now,” she told him quietly at last. “There is no use waiting any more.”
The sled was small, built for hauling in driftwood, but more than sufficient to carry their scanty supplies. On the sled Gretchen put her food and her sleeping-robe. Ugruk added his own stores, and the robe Angus had given him. Meanwhile Angus watched the girl guardedly, to see if she were in a fit state to start out. Yes, her movements were strong and sure: evidently her
