ctions."

In fact, there were so many points in favour of advance that the
decision was made for it, and the next night settled on for the start.
There were not many preparations to make except for the women, who had
to bake what flour they had into hearth cakes. They had a little wheat
and pulse, too, and this they roasted and tied up in the corners of
their veils. Everything that was heavy had to be left behind, for they
knew that even unburdened they might have difficulty in getting the
frost film on the snow to bear their weight. It was a bright, starlight
night when, the snow tunnel having been enlarged by Roy, regardless of
flooding the shed, the whole party crept out and stood on the wide,
snowy expanse. Tumbu was first, and with joyful yaps began to career
about in circles curved like a comma, biting and snapping at the snow.
Down came last, and _meaowed_ piteously, lifting up first one cold foot,
then another, and shaking it in disgust. Finally an idea seemed to come
into her head; she made a bound toward Tumbu, and the next moment was on
his back, clawing onto his fluffy black fur; whereat everybody laughed.
So, with many a prayer for guidance, the little party set off, Old
Faithful leading the way. At first they managed pretty well, though the
men and women, being heavy, sank over the ankles at each step. But both
Bija and Mirak, and even Roy, being light, found the surface hard enough
to bear them; so they ran on ahead and chattered and laughed, the whole
business being to them a huge joke. Thus an hour passed cheerfully
enough; then Bija began to get tired, and Foster-father took her in his
arms. The result sent his heart into his mouth with sudden fear, sudden
certainty that no help could come that way. Even her slight additional
weight sent him almost waist deep into the snow. He could scarcely move!
And ere long the Heir-to-Empire would doubtless weary also; then what
was to be done? For every hour after midnight would bring the thawing
sun nearer and nearer; they might have to remain on the Pass till night
brought frost again, and in that case what would become of the children?

Then suddenly his eye caught Tumbu, who was marching along sullenly,
Down nestling, fast clawed in his broad, furry back. Could the dog carry
a child? A creature with four feet had greater purchase of foothold than
one with two.

"Roy," he said, "turn the cat off and put the Heir-to-Empire on the
dog's back; he must be tired a