Chapter III Summary

When winter ends, the season for animal trapping begins. The magistrate frustrated with the relationship between him and the girl decides that it is best to take her back to her people. He wants to notify the Bureau about his trip, justifying its purpose as an attempt to restore good relationships with the barbarians. After writing a letter he decides against sending it. Without informing anyone about his trip, he takes four soldiers with him, the girl, and heads for the mountains.

They travel south towards the desert and then the valleys, where the nomads winter and usually follow the old dead river-bed. To shorten their trip they choose a different route never previously attempted. Even though winter has passed, the wind blowing through the ice makes breathing difficult. They carry firewood and try to conserve food and water.

As they...