Under considerable disadvantages did Sakalar, Ivan, and their friends prepare for the conclusion of their journey.  Their provisions were very scanty, and their only hope of replenishing their stores was on the banks of the Vchivaya River, which being in some places pretty rapid might not be frozen over.  Sakalar and his friends determined to strike out in a straight line.  Part of the ivory had to be concealed and abandoned, to be fetched another time; but as their stock of provisions was so small, they were able to take the principal part.  It had been resolved, after some debate, to make in a direct line for the Vchivaya river, and thence to Vijnei-Kolimsk.  The road was of a most difficult, and, in part, unknown character; but it was imperative to move in as straight a direction as possible.  Time was the great enemy they had to contend with, because their provisions were sufficient for a limited period only.

The country was at first level enough, and the dogs, after their rest, made sufficiently rapid progress.  At night they had reached the commencement of a hilly region, while in the distance could be seen pretty lofty mountains.  According to a plan decided on from the first, the human members of the party were placed at once on short allowance, while the dogs received as much food as could be reasonably given.  At early dawn the tent was struck, and the dogs were impelled along the banks of a small river completely frozen.  Indeed, after a short distance, it was taken as the smoothest path.  But at the end of a dozen miles they found themselves in a narrow gorge between two hills; at the foot of a once foaming cataract, now hard frozen.  It was necessary to retreat some miles, and gain the land once more.  The only path which was now found practicable was along the bottom of some pretty steep rocks.  But the track got narrower and narrower, until the dogs were drawing along the edge of a terrific precipice with not four feet of holding.  All alighted, and led the dogs, for a false step was death.  Fortunately the path became no narrower, and in one place it widened out and made a sort of hollow.  Here a bitter blast, almost strong enough to cast them from their feet, checked further progress, and on that naked spot, under a projecting mass of stone, without fire, did the whole party halt.  Men and dogs huddled together for warmth, and all dined on raw and frozen fish.  A few hours of sleep, however, were snatched; and then, as the storm abated, they again advanced.  The descent was soon reached, and led into a vast plain without tree or bush.  A range of snow-clad hills lay before them, and through a narrow gully between two mountains was the only practicable pathway.  But all hearts were gladdened by the welcome sight of some argali, or Siberian sheep, on the slope of a hill.  These animals are the only winter game, bears, and wolves excepted.  Kolina was left with the dogs, and the rest started after the animals, which were pawing in the snow for some moss or half-frozen herbs.  Every caution was used to approach them against the wind, and a general volley soon sent them scampering away to the mountain-tops, leaving three behind.