Fierce little flakes stung and clung; they climbed and caked on the windows; and Dakin sighed as he thought of all the extra cleaning and polishing that would be necessary the next day. “But this weather should help to discourage the Snarks,” said Major Scanty, rubbing his hands together as he looked at the snow piling against the windows of the officers’ mess. “Just so long as we don’t get derailed or stuck in a drift on our way to Nether Broughton,” muttered the colonel pessimistically. “Or so long as the expeditionary force don’t get lost in the blizzard.” “Who are you thinking of sending out, sir?” enquired Lieutenant Upfold. “Well, let me see. Bellswinger had better be in charge of the main party. At least fifteen men will be needed; they can be in charge of two Gridelin hounds a piece. Bellswinger knows the country, apparently; he says he used to stay with cousins in Willoughby when he was a lad.” Upfold looked disappointed; he had hoped to be given command of the troop.
