This was a misfortune indeed, for a thorough search in pockets and sleigh-box failed to produce a string or strap of any kind.
Elsie had been on the verge of crying for some time, and this new disaster brought the tears in earnest.
"We shall all freeze to death here!" she sobbed. "Whatever shall we do?"
"You can stop crying, Elsie," said Lancy, who felt bewildered by this new difficulty. "I am bothered enough already. I suppose it is no use to ask you girls if you have any kind of string in your pockets," he added.
"No, of course we haven't," replied Elsie, quite cross. "Girls don't fill their pockets with trash!"
"Here is my belt, Lancy," and Dexie held up a strap of Russian leather. "Do you think you can bind up the shaft with that?"
After some delay, the shaft was strapped together, and they slowly pressed onward.
"How far do you think we are from Halifax, Lancy?" Dexie asked, after they had travelled some distance through the drifts.
"I can hardly say, Dexie, we have come so slowly; but I fear we are not more than halfway."