TWENTY YEARS IN THE ROCKIES. 45 



asked, "Are you in a trance?" I turned and Miss Marble 

 stood beside me. She reminded me that it was time for 

 the evening repast, and invited me to sup with her family. 

 I was glad to once more partake of food prepared by ex- 

 perienced hands. The table fairly groaned with good 

 things warm biscuits, maple syrup, fried venison and other 

 dainties that we, who had not our wives with us, had not 

 tasted for a long time. 



At this point upon Mt. Zion some of the men declared 

 their intention of pulling out by themselves, saying they 

 would not travel so slowly ; that they could easily make thir- 

 ty miles a day, while we were making from twenty to twen- 

 ty-five. This was the first trouble that we had had among 

 ourselves since leaving Red Water. I determined to put a 

 stop to it at once, and for good. My position was a trying 

 one at best, and I would not be annoyed by complaints all 

 along the road. We were traveling as fast as the endurance 

 of our horses would permit. It would not be prudent to 

 wear them out with the greater part of the journey still be- 

 fore us. 



I said nothing until we were ready to break camp in the 

 morning. I then called the attention of the grumblers,, and 

 told them I knew of the threats that had been made and 

 would now give one half-hour for all who were dissatisfied to 

 pull out, but that all who left us now, positively should not 

 join us at any future time. The half-hour passed. No 

 one had made a move. In this way the dispute was set- 

 tled and we heard no more of it during the trip. 



That morning I left Wustun in charge and galloped on 

 ahead to reconnoiter and, if possible, to bring in some game. 

 I drove the spurs in Charlie's flanks and started him into 

 a swift lope down a deep cut canyon. I soon encountered 

 abrupt rocks, almost impossible to pass, and was obliged 



