mine, for the present at least, seemed scarcely a
reality, and the vast peaks and ridges were far more interesting than
the brown swells below, besides being safer. Moreover, the great White
Dome loomed before him continually, and he had a certain pride in the
thought that they would pass over its towering shoulder.

"I've been thinkin' mighty hard," said the Little Giant.

"Does it make your head ache much?" asked the hunter.

"Not in this case. It hurts sometimes, when I try to think forward, but
not when I try to think back an' remember things. Then I've got
somethin' to go on. I'm tryin' to rec'lect whether I ever met a feller
who wuz ez unpleasant to my feelin's ez that thar Felton."

"I know I never did," said Will, with emphasis.

"Me neither," said the hunter. "I don't like men who wear velvet jackets
with big brass buttons on 'em. Now I think the way is going to be pretty
steep for a long distance, and I guess we'll have to walk. Lucky these
horses and mules of ours are having so much experience in climbing
mountains. They go up 'em like goats now."

Despite the skill of men and beasts as climbers they could not ascend at
any great rate, although Will noticed that both his comrades were eager
to get on. He fancied that the image of Felton was in their minds, just
as it was in his, and the farther they advanced the more sinister became
the memory of the velvet-coated intruder.

They passed out upon a great projecting, bald rock, where they paused
for many long breaths, and Will, through his glasses, was able to see
the brown plains far below, sweeping away in swell on swell until they
died under a dim horizon. But the distance was so great that he could
make out nothing on their surface.

Night found them on a ridge, where there was enough grass for the
horses, and trees still grew, though much dwarfed and stunted. They kept
close in the lee of the trees and did not build any fire, although it
was very cold, so cold that the bearskin coats again formed a welcome
addition to the blankets. Boyd said it would be best for them to keep
watch, although little danger was anticipated. Still, they could not be
too cautious, and Will, who insisted on mounting guard in his turn, was
permitted to do so. The Little Giant kept the first watch and Will the
second, beginning about midnight. Giant Tom, who awakened him for it,
went almost instantly to sleep himself, and the lad was left alone.

He lay upon a rather wid