The snow wall that had built up at the other end of the lean-to and on the sled side was smooth and glistening. “Just like an igloo,” Sandy said. As soon as they were inside their sleeping bags, he turned off the Coleman stove.
Jerry sighed as the little hut was plunged into pitch-darkness. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was back in my little trundle bed in Valley View.”
“Go to sleep,” Sandy grunted. He was facing the entrance and the automatic was within easy reach in his side pocket. In an emergency, he knew he could fire right through the sleeping bag.
Gradually, his eyes became accustomed to the darkness and he could make out the faint outline of the round doorway. His eyelids grew heavier and the hole grew smaller and smaller. Then he dropped off to sleep.
CHAPTER NINE
Trapped in an Icy Tomb
When Sandy awoke, it was still pitch-dark inside the lean-to. He was about to roll over and go back to sleep, but he decided to see what time it was first. He pulled down the zipper of his sleeping bag, fumbled for the flashlight and flicked the switch.
The sudden burst of light woke up Jerry. “Whazza matter?” he mumbled.
“Go back to sleep,” Sandy told him. “It’s still the middle of the night.” He turned the spot on his wrist watch. “What the—” he exclaimed, and sat up, startled. He squinted at the dial again, but there was no mistake. It said 7:30. “That’s impossible! It must have stopped!” But he held it up to his ear and heard the steady, rhythmic ticking.
“What’s the matter with you?” Jerry, fully awake now, propped himself up on one elbow.
Suddenly, Sandy began to laugh. “Oh, I get it. We’re snowed in.” He explained to Jerry. “My watch said it was half past seven, but I couldn’t believe it because it was so dark in here. It’s the snow; it’s blocking out the daylight.”