Page:A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains (1879).djvu/310

 and in half an hour I was all right and ready for a ferocious meal. "If there's a traveller on the prairie to-night, God help him!" the host had said to his wife just before I came in.

I found Evans there, storm-stayed, and that—to his great credit at the time—my money matters were all right. After the sound and refreshing sleep which one gets in this splendid climate, I was ready for an early start, but, warned by yesterday's experience, waited till twelve to be sure of the weather. The air was intensely clear, and the mercury seventeen degrees below zero! The snow sparkled and snapped under one's feet. It was gloriously beautiful! In this climate, if you only go out for a short time you do not feel cold even without a hat, or any additional wrappings. I bought a cardigan for myself, however, and some thick socks, got some stout snowshoes for Birdie's hind feet, had a pleasant talk with some English friends, did some commissions for the men in the Park, and hung about waiting for a freight train to break the track, but eventually, inspirited by the good news from you, left Longmount alone, and for the last time. I little thought that miserable, broiling day on which I arrived at it with Dr. and Mrs. Hughes, of the glories of which it was the gate, and of the "good time" I should have. Now I am at home in it; every one in it and along the St. Vrain Canyon addresses me in a friendly way by