It did indeed look gloomy, forbidding, and threatening. Our fire was nearly on the level with the water, which rolled darkly and noisily at our very feet; and when its crackling blaze arose higher than usual, the low face of the opposite shore was struck by the light. At such times I could not help reflecting what favorable chances were afforded any foe who might be lurking opposite. I involuntarily shrunk from the fire, and felt relieved when the shore blended with the darkness.
It began to grow quite late, the fire had smoldered low, when Nat, removing his cap, turned upon me with:
“What do you think of our journey to California?”
I was at a loss to comprehend his meaning, and looked at him for an explanation.
“I mean to ask whether you feel in such a hurry to get to mines as you did when we were in Independence?”
Now, to confess the truth, the experience of the last week or two, and especially of the last two days, had done much toward dampening the ardor which I once thought could never leave me; and I believe, had I possessed moral courage enough, I should have seized the first opportunity to return to the comforts of a home, where I possessed enough to satisfy any sensible person’s ambition. Still I hesitated to commit myself.
“I cannot say that I am; but what induced you to——”
“I’m sick of this business,” interrupted Nat, lengthening his legs with a spiteful jerk, and looking disgustedly into the fire.
“What has come over you?” I asked, half-amused at his manner.