Curtis’s intention was not only to take the usual observations, but, as far as possible, his bearings for the journey of the day.
In such a country as this they could hardly expect to travel as crows fly. The easiest road would be the shortest.
They were in bags by nine, and asleep almost immediately. With the exception of the slight noise bears make in their sleep, there was nothing here to disturb them, and they were far enough away from the hill-foot to fear a falling avalanche. The stillness of such a region as this is appalling. On a windless night you almost fear to speak aloud.
At four o’clock next morning, Taffy awoke Curtis quietly, and he was soon ready. Sheelah, too, was up, and warming coffee essence, which, with fresh eggs beaten up, and condensed milk, and biscuit, made a good breakfast for so early an hour.
Ingomar shared, and Collie also.
These were the only three who were to ascend the hill, which, though only about 1500 feet high, would permit them to have a view, not only seawards, but on every side, to a great distance.
The difficulty of ascent was by no means great, yet both men, though armed with their poles, were considerably pumped before they stood on the peak, or rather lay down on it, and gazed around them.
The air was colder here, and there was a breeze of wind, cold enough for anything. Curtis’s observations were quickly taken, and his bearings too, and it was soon noticed that there was at least one other pleasant day’s work before them.
It was a mountainous land, and, far to east, to west, and to south even, “hills on hills successive piled.” They noticed, too, that many of these were evidently volcanic.
“You see, Ingomar,” said Curtis, almost solemnly, “the great war ’twixt fire and snow is still raging.”