I was surprised that we did not get out of the canyon. The
place where we camped was a bare, rocky opening, with a big pool in the
center. While we were making camp it suddenly came over me that I was
completely bewildered as to our whereabouts. I could not see the mountain
peaks and did not know one direction from another. Even when Jim struck out
of our trail and went off alone toward Holston I could not form an idea of
where I was. All this, however, added to my feeling of the bigness of
Penetier.
Dick was taciturn, and old Hiram, when I tried to engage him in
conversation, cut me off with the remark that I would need my breath on the
morrow. This somewhat offended me. So I made my bed and rolled into it. Not
till I had lain quiet for a little did I realize that every bone and muscle
felt utterly worn out. I seemed to deaden and stiffen more each moment.
Presently Dick breathed heavily and Hiram snored. The red glow of fire
paled and died. I heard the clinking of the hobbles on Target, and a step,
now and then, of the other horses. The sky grew ever bluer and colder, the
stars brighter and larger, and the night wind moaned in the pines. I heard
a coyote bark, a trout splash in the pool, and the hoot of an owl. Then the
sounds and the clear, cold night seemed to fade away.
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