XXIV 
THE WAPITI 
285 
no danger of interlopers upon any side but one, 
as the Big Horn range ascended abruptly 
immediately from the opposite side of the 
Powder river. 
The blood-red sandstone cliffs which arose in 
perpendicular blocks for 200 or 300 feet in height 
from the Powder river were very striking, as 
they formed a strong contrast to the glaring 
white of the surrounding soil. The Powder 
river flowed beneath the cliffs, and occupied a 
considerable portion of a swampy valley when 
in flood ; this was covered with willows, growing 
so thickly together that they were difficult to 
penetrate. 
Although the Peters’s settlement was situated 
in a valley, it was about 6500 feet above the 
sea-level; nevertheless we felt a great difference 
in the climate, as we had been at 10,000 to 11,000 
feet during the last three or four weeks. 
It is very delightful to associate with young 
people who, having selected their profession, 
courageously seize the handle of the plough to 
strike a furrow that shall lead to fortune. We may 
meet the same persons in conventional life, the 
lady perhaps outshining others in the drawing¬ 
rooms of civilisation, yet we know but little of the 
real character until we find them in a situation 
which calls forth the energy and abilities of their 
true natures. 
Mr. Peters had an English partner. He also 
was a man accustomed to the luxury of clubs in 
