He took his gun, called Duk, and went off almost unnoticed by the rest.
He had been absent about an hour, and only once during that time had they heard the report of his gun; and now he was coming back empty- handed, but running as if terrified.
"What is the matter?" asked the Doctor.
"Down there, under the snow!" said Altamont, speaking as if scared, and pointing in a particular direction.
"What?"
"A whole party of men!"
"Alive?"
"Dead-frozen-and even-"
He did not finish the sentence, but a look of unspeakable horror came over his face.
The Doctor and the others were so roused by this incident, that they managed to get up and drag themselves after Altamont towards the place he indicated.