In chapter 5, Buck is sold to Hal and Charles. They are arrogant, proud, incompetent owners that nearly kill him as they embark on a dangerous journey. Hal, Charles, and Mercedes initially pack too much luggage on the sled and are reluctant to remove any items. Instead, they add too many dogs to the team and do not properly ration their food and water. As a result, the dogs are overfed before they begin to starve. As their journey continues, the completely exhausted, starving dogs begin to die, and Buck loses a considerable amount of weight. Under Hal and Charles's ownership, Buck no longer looks like the healthy, strong dog he once was and almost dies during the journey. As spring arrives, the ice becomes thinner, and Buck refuses to lead the pack over thin ice, which prompts a severe beating from Hal. Fortunately, John Thorton witnesses the beating and threatens to kill Hal if he touches Buck again. After the incompetent, ignorant owners leave Buck behind with John Thorton, they fall into the river, and Thorton nurses Buck back to health. It takes Buck a considerable amount of time to regain his strength, but he eventually gains weight and returns to his previous exemplary condition. Buck thrives under Thorton's ownership and ends up performing legendary feats that become folklore in the Yukon Territory.
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