“It really doesn’t seem as if we had ever been in one of these mountains before, because every step brings out new wonders,” remarked Mrs. Vernon, as they all neared the top of the peak they had been ascending.
The sound of falling water now attracted Tally’s attention, and he broke into the heavy undergrowth to locate the stream. This done, he came back and reported that he had found a fine place for the dinner.
They all dismounted at the spot, and the two men started downstream to fish, while the guides assigned various tasks to the different members of the party. Then, when the scouts had finished their work and the men were not yet back from fishing, they climbed to a crag of rock whence they expected to have a fine view.
“Well, did you ever!” exclaimed Ruth, the first to reach the top of the crag.
“What a queer fog for a mountainside!” was Julie’s reply.
The other scouts now crowded up to see what caused these remarks, and as they gazed down upon a thick mantle of yellow, one of the girls called to Mrs. Vernon. She hastily climbed up beside them and looked as perplexed as her charges.
“Tally,” called she, turning to beckon the Indian, “see if this is smoke, will you?”
“Him smoke!” affirmed Tally, the moment he saw the blanket beneath them.
“What! A fire in the forest?” cried several of the girls.
“Then we can’t go through, can we?” asked Julie.