But a disinterested observer, looking at Peter's fine, strong face, with its radiant coloring, brought out by the sharp air, might not have agreed.
And then conversation became abstract, for the wind rose to a piercing gale and it was all they could do to keep their balance and fight their way along.
"I said this here wind was bound to ease up some time and it has," said Joshua, with decided satisfaction, the morning of the start for home. "We ought to make good goin' to-day, and maybe get ahead of our own schedule."
"That's the trick," said Shelby, "always get ahead of your own schedule, and you're bound to succeed. Come on, Peter, here we go."
The leave-taking was a bit silent, for all three had become attached to the camp, and they gave long farewell glances backward.
Then off they went, and throwing sentiment aside, turned their thoughts and their talk to the coming journey.
For home was yet a long way off. Many days' traveling before they reached the mail boat and then many more before they could lift New York Harbor.
"And I'm glad of it," declared Peter. "The longer we are on the home stretch, the better I'll be pleased."
"Granting we don't miss the boat," added Blair. "When I start out I want to arrive."