e, at least,
and not a man of his had been hurt. He was sure to receive Colonel
Winchester's words of approval, and he felt the swell of pride, but did
not show it by word or manner.

Carrying the rifle, as the visible proof of victory, they returned to the
cove, and received from Colonel Winchester the words for which they were
grateful. Further proof was the failure of Slade to return and the
lifting of the terrible weight which a single man had put upon them.
They could now go about in the open, as they pleased, the big fires were
built up again, and cheerfulness returned.

The mountaineers brought in more food the next day, and the following
night Reed and another mountaineer crossed the ridge and were lucky
enough to shoot a fat bear in a ravine. They dressed it there, and,
between them, managed to bring the body back to the camp. A day later
they secured another, and there was a great feast of fresh meat.

That night the weather rapidly turned warmer and all knew the big thaw
was at hand. A long heavy rain that lasted almost until daylight
hastened it and great floods roared down the slopes. Tons and tons of
melting snow also slid into the valley, and the creek became a booming
torrent. They were more thankful than ever for their huts and lean-tos,
and all except the sentinels clung closely to their shelter.

Throughout the day the mountains were veiled in vapors from the rain
and the melting snow, and, after another night, the troop saddled and
departed, the horses treading ankle deep in mud, but their riders eager
to get away.

"We overstayed our time," said Dick, looking back, "but it was a good
cove for us. Our presence there tempted the enemy to battle, and we
destroyed him. Then we had shelter and a home when the great storm came."

"A good cove, truly," said Pennington, "and we sha'n't forget it."

When they reached the main pass they found it also deep in mud and
melting snow, and their progress was slow and painful. But before noon
they met Shepard and the sergeant returning with news that they had
carried an account of the victory to General Sheridan, but that nothing
had happened in the main valley save a few raids by Mosby. Shepard,
who acted as spokesman, was too tactful to say much, but he indicated
very clearly that the commander-in-chief was highly pleased with the
destruction of the Slade and Skelly band, the maraudings of which had
become a great annoyance and danger. Dick was