What happens to the sled team, Mercedes, Hal, and Charles at the end of their journey?

At the end of their journey, the fate of the sled team, along with Mercedes, Hal, and Charles, is tragic. They attempt to navigate through treacherous ice conditions, and their ignorance of the warnings about the unstable ice leads to disaster. When the bottom of the trail drops, it results in the sled team falling through the ice, which signifies their perilous and untimely end.

This outcome illustrates the theme of the struggle for survival against nature in "The Call of the Wild." The situation emphasizes the dangers posed by their lack of experience and understanding of the savage wilderness. The ultimate fate serves as a warning about the consequences of hubris and the importance of respecting the natural world.

While other options suggest different outcomes, such as reaching safety or being rescued, the reality is that their recklessness and lack of preparation ultimately lead to their demise. This stark conclusion reinforces Buck’s journey towards understanding the laws of the wild.