One by one dogs are dying. The men curse, and Mercedes cries. Their manhood and womanhood are not equal to this expedition for gold. They lack patience and constantly argue with one another. Her weight only weakens the team further.
Buck moves through the snow as if in a nightmare.
His glossy coat is matted with blood from the wounds Hal has inflicted with his club. His muscles are disintegrated. Buck's heart is still unbreakable. Poor Billie is killed with an ax when he fails to rise and pull the sled. The team knows this same fate can await them.