nd more difficult, because in places we could scarcely get through the
forest. Fallen trees were everywhere and we had to avoid the branches,
which was powerful hard to do. Besides, it was quite dusky among the
trees long before night, but it was all so grand and awe-inspiring.
Occasionally there was an opening through which we could see the snowy
peaks, seemingly just beyond us, toward which we were headed. But when
you get among such grandeur you get to feel how little you are and how
foolish is human endeavor, except that which reunites us with the
mighty force called God. I was plumb uncomfortable, because all my own
efforts have always been just to make the best of everything and to
take things as they come.

At last we came to an open side of the mountain where the trees were
scattered. We were facing south and east, and the mountain we were on
sheered away in a dangerous slant. Beyond us still greater wooded
mountains blocked the way, and in the canon between night had already
fallen. I began to get scary. I could only think of bears and
catamounts, so, as it was five o'clock, we decided to camp. The trees
were immense. The lower branches came clear to the ground and grew so
dense that any tree afforded a splendid shelter from the weather, but I
was nervous and wanted one that would protect us against any possible
attack. At last we found one growing in a crevice of what seemed to be
a sheer wall of rock. Nothing could reach us on two sides, and in front
two large trees had fallen so that I could make a log heap which would
give us warmth and make us safe. So with rising spirits I unpacked and
prepared for the night. I soon had a roaring fire up against the logs
and, cutting away a few branches, let the heat into as snug a bedroom
as any one could wish. The pine needles made as soft a carpet as the
wealthiest could afford. Springs abound in the mountains, so water was
plenty. I staked "Jeems" quite near so that the firelight would
frighten away any wild thing that tried to harm him. Grass was very
plentiful, so when he was made "comfy" I made our bed and fried our
trout. The branches had torn off the bag in which I had my bread, so it
was lost in the forest, but who needs bread when they have good, mealy
potatoes? In a short time we were eating like Lent was just over. We
lost all the glory of the sunset except what we got by reflection,
being on the side of the mountain we were, with the dense woods
between. Big