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 XVI

BLOCKED BY THE GREAT WHITE MOUNTAINS

John Sparks and Tom Dougherty were to be left behind. That was the word.

"What?"

"Yes. The doctor says not a step shall they march, if they would save their feet; an' poor Tom, he's like to lose his, anyhow. An' since they can't march, no more can we carry 'em across the mountains without hosses. So here they stay till we can send an' get 'em."

All the buffalo meat had been brought in. The lieutenant was preparing to march on, for the Red River. From the camp he had explored farther westward, to the very foot of the mountains, seeking a trail over; but the snow was four and five feet deep even there, the whole country above was white, and he gave the trail up.

"We'll have to march on south along this side, until we find a better place."

Now they made ready. John Sparks and Tom were fixed as comfortably as possible, with guns and ammunition, a lean-to for shelter, and the best