He passed
three or four people, but they were obviously natives of that region,
and they asked him only innocent questions. The wintry day was short,
and the twilight was soon at hand. He was riding over one of the bare
ridges, when first he noticed how late the day had grown. All the sky
was gray and chill and the cold sun was setting behind the western
mountains. A breeze sprang up, rustling among the leafless branches,
and Dick shivered in the saddle. A new necessity was pressed suddenly
upon him. He must find shelter for the night. Even with his warm
double blankets he could not sleep in the forest on such a night.
Besides the horse would need food.
He rode on briskly for a full hour, anxiously watching both sides of the
road for a cabin or cabin smoke. By that time night had come fully,
though fortunately it was clear but very cold. He saw then on the right
a faint coil of smoke rising against the dusky sky and he rode straight
for it.
The smoke came from a strong double cabin, standing about four hundred
yards from the road, and the sight of the heavy log walls made Dick all
the more anxious to get inside them. The cold had grown bitter and even
his horse shivered.
As he approached two yellow curs rushed forth and began to bark
furiously, snapping at the horse's heels, the usual mountain welcome.
But when a kick from the horse grazed the ear of one of them they kept
at a respectful distance.
Pages:
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148