Always, it seemed to Angus, he must be choosing between Gretchen and Ugruk. If he served one, he must neglect the either; if he helped his brother’s chances, he must hurt the girl he loved. One such choice confronted him when he started out to look for Ugruk. Should he wear his snowshoes, or leave them?
If he took them, he might not be able to return them. Thus Gretchen’s chances of getting out would be materially cut down. But if he did not take them, he might as well remain in the cabin. The race tonight was to the swift. He could not hope to wallow through the drifts in time to save Ugruk’s life; he must fly over them at the fastest mushing pace. The snow was soft, slow going at best.
Added danger for Gretchen, or certain death for Ugruk? This was the proposition. Well, he must cross
