The difference between blanketing and gossamer is great, yet it is inconceivably slight compared with the difference between gossamer and nothing! In the pride of their strength the members of the exploring party lay down to sleep without covering of any kind, for the good reason that they possessed none, and before morning they would gladly have given a fabulous price for even a gossamer coverlet.
“It’s freezin’ I am, if not froze,” said Terrence O’Connor at the end of the second sleepless hour. “If we could have only brought away some o’ the fire in our pockets, what a comfort it would have bin!”
He got up, shook himself, and slapped his arms across his breast vigorously.
Slag and Mitford followed his example.
“I’m beginnin’ to feel better on the outside,” continued O’Connor, pausing, “but my spinal marrow isn’t properly warm yet.”
“’Minds me o’ Baffin’s Bay,” growled Slag, with a mighty slap of the arms between each word.
Mitford seemed to think any remark superfluous, for he only groaned.
“Pity it’s too dark to see yer face, John,” said Terrence. “It must be a sight worth seein’. Och, av I only had a good-sized pocket-han’kicher I’d wrap me feet in it, anyhow.”
“Suppose we cut some grass and try that?” suggested Mitford.
The suggestion was acted on.