hich balance being born
in New England."

"Perhaps," returned Malcolm, a little doubtfully. "Perhaps she would. I've
known New Englanders to realize several things. The trouble is they're
very much averse to admitting it."

Meanwhile the three on the summit across the valley had dined, frugally to
be sure, and somewhat silently on bread and bacon. Now sweater-clad they
sat before the fire, and munched at some sweet chocolate which Carver had
discovered in his coat pocket. With every nibble Vivian peered among the
trees behind her, glanced fearfully right and left, and ended by gazing
with longing eyes at the fire on Sagebrush Point. Carver hugged his knees,
and rocked idly to and fro. Virginia gazed thoughtfully into the flames.
To her a night in a mountain forest was a privilege, whether three or
nine shared its glories. To be sure, a tent would be a distinct addition,
but since they had none they must do without it. Its absence was but an
incident, and gave her little anxiety--far less, in fact, than the fear
which she detected in the blue eyes of Vivian. For to Vivian the
approaching night was a terrible ordeal through which she must go. Her
reason fled away to parts unknown, and only imagination remained to create
a mountain lion in every thicket, and mysterious, unearthly, disembodied
presences in the air, behind her back, at her very elbow. She was grateful
when Carver came to sit beside her. With Virginia on the other side, two
less avenues of approach were opened. At all events she would not talk
about her fear; and, acting upon her resolve, she did her best to join in
the conversation on school and books and athletics.

Ten o'clock came, and Carver brought wood for the fire. Then he unrolled
their blankets, spreading them over pine boughs already cut and placed
upon the ground. The ground itself was a good enough mattress for him, he
said, as he rolled in his blanket Indian-fashion, and lay down under a
great pine. They need have no anxiety as to the fire. He probably should
sleep but little, and would replenish it whenever wood was needed. If they
wanted a thing or became frightened in the night, they should speak to
him.

Vivian, sleepy in spite of her fears, lay down upon the boughs, her head
in Virginia's lap. She knew she should not close her eyes, but she might
as well rest. If a bear or a mountain lion came, it would make little
difference whether she were sitting or reclining. Virginia was not sleepy