and desolation was
complete. The return of the engine after a lengthened absence was a
relief, like the spring sun following an arctic winter.

"The first parties snowed up were wholly unprepared. They had had their
dollar meal at the last station, and were far enough from the next when
fixed in the bank. It was, however, a rare harvest for the nearest
store. The necessity of some was the opportunity of others. Food of
inferior quality brought fabulous prices. A dispute, involving a heavy
wager, arose about one article of fare. Was it antelope or not? The
vendor admitted that a very lean old cow had been sacrificed on the
pressing occasion.

"For a little while some fun was got out of the trouble of snowed-up
trains. Delicate attentions were tendered by gentlemen as cooks' mates
to the ladies. Oyster-cans were converted into culinary utensils, and
telegraph wire proved excellent material for gridirons. Many a joke was
passed in the train kitchen, and hearty was the appetite for the rude
viands thus rudely dressed. But when the food grew more difficult to
obtain, and the wood supply became less and less, the mirth was
considerably slackened. It is true that despatches were sent off for
help, and cargoes of provisions were steamed up as near as the snow would
permit; but it was hard work to carry over the snow, and insufficient was
the supply. Frightful growlings arose from the men and sad lamentations
from the women. Short allowance of food, with intense cold, could not be
positively enjoyed any time; but to be cooped up within snow walls in
such a desolate region, far from expecting friends or urgent business,
was most annoying. One spoke of absolute necessity to be at his office
within the week, as heavy bills had to be prepared for. Another was
going about an important speculation, which would utterly break down if
he were detained three days. Alas! he was there above three weeks.

"The sorrows of the heart were worse. A mother was there hastening to
nurse a sick daughter. A father had been summoned to the dying bed of
his son. A husband was hoping to clasp again a wife from whom a long
voyage had separated him. One poor fellow was an especial object of
sympathy. He was hastening to an anxiously waiting bride. He had to
cool the ardour of his passion in the snow-bound car, and pass the day
appointed for his wedding in shivering reflections. In one of the snow
depths was detained an interesti