ore,
for during the last few days the strain the snowshoe threw on the
muscles had nearly disabled him. Now he knew it would be difficult to
hold out for another journey, but he had grown accustomed to pain and
weariness and hunger. They were, he imagined, the lot of all who
braved the rigours of winter in the northern wilds.

"Well," said Benson, "there's no use in carrying anything that's not
strictly needful and the empty grub-bag may stay behind. Then here's a
pair of worn out moccasins I was keeping as a stand by. I should be
able to get new ones at the factory."

"It's still some distance off," Harding drily reminded him.

"If we don't make it, the chances are that I won't need the things.
But what about your collection of gum?"

Nothing had been said on this point for some time, but Harding's face
wore a curious look as he took up a bag which weighed three or four
pounds.

"Some of the stuff might be used for low-grade varnish, but that's not
what I'm out for. I've been trying to believe that a few of the
specimens might prove better on analysis, but I guess it's a delusion."

With a quick resolute movement he threw the bag into the fire and when
the resin flared up with a thick brown smoke the others regarded him
with silent sympathy. This was the end of the project he had expected
so much from, but it was obvious that he could meet failure with
fortitude. Nothing that would serve any purpose could be said, and
they quietly strapped on their blankets.

There was not much snow when they set off and fortunately the wind blew
behind them, but the white haze narrowed in the prospect and Blake, who
broke the trail, kept his eyes upon the compass. He was not quite sure
of the right line, but he had the satisfaction of knowing that he was,
at least, going straight. After a few minutes, Harding glanced behind.
Their camping place had vanished, they were out in an open waste, and
he knew that he had started on the last march he was capable of making.
Where it would lead him he could not tell, though the answer to the
question was of vital importance.

For a time he thought of his wife and wondered with keen anxiety what
would become of her if his strength gave way before they reached the
post, but he drove these cares out of his mind. It was dangerous to
harbour them and served no purpose; his part was to struggle on,
swinging the net shoes while he grappled with the pain each step caused
him. He shr