more than one occasion I was out for two weeks 

 on the snow-drifted crest of the continent, without 

 seeing any one. I went beyond the trails and vis- 

 ited the silent places alone. I invaded gulches, 

 eagerly walked the splendid forest aisles, wan- 

 dered in the dazzling glare on dreary alpine 

 moorlands, and scaled the peaks over mantles of 

 ice and snow. I had many experiences, — amus- 

 ing, dangerous, and exciting. There was abun- 

 dance of life and fun in the work. On many an 

 evening darkness captured me and compelled 

 me to spend the night in the wilds without 

 bedding, and often without food. During these 

 nights I kept a camp-fire blazing until daylight 

 released me. When the night was mild, I man- 

 aged to sleep a little, — in installments, — rising 

 from time to time to give wood to the eager fire. 

 Sometimes a scarcity of wood kept me busy gath- 

 ering it all night ; and sometimes the night was so 

 cold that I did not risk going to sleep. During 

 these nights I watched my flaming fountain of 

 fire brighten, fade, surge, and change, or shower 

 its spray of sparks upon the surrounding snow- 

 flowers. Strange reveries I have had by these 



5 



