The morning sun shone on the snowy fields. Their road started to ascend. It was a pass. Both sides were thickly wooded. The sun’s rays were more gentle and there was the sound of flapping wings somewhere. As they emerged from the wood the road suddenly became very steep.
Then at the summit it swerved round to the right. One of the navvies, who had reached the top, was just going round the bend when he gave a shout.
“We’re in for it.”
“Why?” asked the panting Soroku from below.
“This chap’s going to be a devil.”
Soroku hastened to the spot from where the voice came and there he saw a big pole lying prone across the snow.
“That’s the chap that’s given us all this trouble.” The wires had snapped.
They all stood there stock still, eyeing it with disgust. It would be a big job to set it up again and mend the wires. Their bellies were empty. Their bodies were exhausted.
“Hey, there, let’s make a start,” shouted Soroku, with a forced display of spirit.
VI
At the bottom of the other side of the pass was a pond. As each got near it he flopped down on the snow or else stretched himself out on a stack of timber that was there.
“Just how much pay do you get?” asked Machida, getting a light from Soroku.
