"It's snowing again," declared Guy, as a few flakes drifted past.
"And the wind has changed," added Ranworth. "It's coming from almost due south."
"So much the better for us—until we start on the return journey," declared Leslie. "If we——"
He paused abruptly, and pointed in the direction of the still invisible Observation Camp. Trudging laboriously through the snow were two men.
CHAPTER XIV
GOOD WORK IN THE BLIZZARD
"BE sharp, lads," exclaimed Ranworth excitedly, "they're nearly done for."
With a leap he alighted upon the ground, and, running with the drifting snow, made towards the newcomers, Leslie and Guy following at his heels, and O'Donovan bringing up the rear. Running hardly describes their progress, for at every step the crew of the Bird of Freedom sank almost to their knees.
The two strangers gave no sign of having seen their rescuers. They floundered heavily through the snow, with their shoulders hunched and their heads sunk on their chests. They were enveloped with furs, while, as they struggled against the falling snow, the front of their clothing was plastered white with the frozen flakes. The pair were trudging side by side, dragging a light sleigh by means of cords slung over their shoulders.