To make their situation more gloomy, night began to come down, dark and terrible.
The cold they had not noticed so much in their previous excitement, but, after standing still a few moments, they found themselves chilled to the bone.
Will Bertram for once had no cheering words for his companions. He fully comprehended that their dilemma was an extremely perilous one.
Still, he endeavored to regard their situation as philosophically as possible.
“We have all been in danger before,” he said to his companions. “Do not let us shrink now.”
“But we have no arms, no food,” said Willis.
“Our greatest enemy is the cold. Against that we may in a measure provide. However, perhaps the morning may see an entire change in our position.”
“What do you mean?” inquired Tom.
“The ship may return. We may find Jack and Hugo. We can only hope. Come, boys, do not stand still, but gather the broken pieces of the sled together.”
“What for?” inquired Tom.