opening of the novel introduces readers to Dawson, a town struggling against the weight of winter. The atmosphere is lively in local saloons, contrasting with the severe outside conditions. Hurricane, an unfamiliar figure in this environment, enters a bar looking for milk among patrons drinking whiskey, igniting confrontations and revealing much about the social dynamics at play. As he faces hostility and proves himself through a brawl, we see glimpses of his character and resilience. This initial scene sets the tone for Hurricane's subsequent adventures and challenges in a world driven by the relentless pursuit of gold and the harsh realities of life in the north. (This is an automatically generated summary.)