For the want of something better to suggest, the others agreed, and on they went once more, dragging Tom and their few traps and stores behind them.
Thus another hour passed. By this time they were so exhausted they could scarcely stand. They staggered onward until Sam fell. He was so weak the others had to assist him to arise.
"I'm all in!" gasped the youngest Rover. "You go on and save yourselves."
"And leave you?" cried Dick. "Never! Sam, you know me better than that," he added, reproachfully.
"But, Dick, I—I can't walk another step!"
"Then sit on the drag with Tom."
"But you and Wumble——"
"We'll pull ye somehow," said the old miner, grimly. "We ought to be gittin' somewhar soon."
It was now dark once more and snowing again. The wind had gone down a trifle, but it still carried them forward, first in one direction and then another.
Presently the drag hit a series of rocks, covered with ice and snow. Over it went, sending Tom and Sam sprawling. Dick and Wumble also fell, for the way had suddenly grown uneven.