"Now we are going to get our first sight of the Rockies," said Mark, some days later, after another rain. "The storm cleared the air, so we ought to get a pretty good view."
They were close to the top of the ridge, along which they had traveled slowly and laboriously, for the road was nothing like what it is to-day, with its many towns and villages. The boys could not wait, and Mark and Si rushed on ahead of Bob, who was driving the mule.
"Hurrah! Here we are!" shouted Mark, throwing up his cap. "The mountains, as plain as day!"
The mountains were certainly there, but so far off that they were a mere blue-and-white blur in the distance. The tops were lost in the clouds, and this caused Si to draw a deep breath.
"It ain't going to be an easy task climbing over them," was his sober comment.
"Want to go back?" asked Mark, quickly.
"No! It's California or bust with me!" answered the farm boy, quickly. "Why, if I went back now, I'd never be able to look father and mother in the face again," he added.
Presently Darling came plodding up to the top of the ridge, with Bob trudging alongside of the wagon. Bob's face broke into a grin as he viewed the scene beyond.
"Are those the Rockies?" he asked.
"Yes," said both of the other boys.