So, one by one, the principles of camping were taught by the kindly old rancher; but the hints which the girl gave were quite as valuable, for Wayland was eager to show her that he could be, and intended to be, a forester of the first class or perish in the attempt.
McFarlane went farther and talked freely of the forest and what it meant to the government. Were all green at the work, he said, and we old chaps are only holding the fort against the thieves till you youngsters learn how to make the best use of the domain.
I can see that it takes more than technical training to enable a man to be Supervisor of a forest, conceded Wayland.
McFarlane was pleased with this remark. Thats true, too. Its a big responsibility. When I first came on, it was mainly patrolling; but now, with a half dozen sawmills, and these June Eleventh Homesteads, and the new ways of marking timber, and the grazing and free-use permits, the office work has doubled. And this is only the beginning. Wait till Colorado has two millions of people, and all these lower valleys are clamoring for water. Then youll see a new party spring up right here in our state.
Berrie was glowing with happiness. Lets stay here till the end of the week, she suggested. Ive always wanted to camp on this lake, and now Im here I want time to enjoy it.
Well stay a day or two, said her father; but I must get over to that ditch survey which is being made at the head of Poplar, and then Moore is coming over to look at some timber on Porcupine.
The young people cut willow rods and went angling at the outlet of the lake with prodigious success. The water rippled with trout, and in half an hour they had all they could use for supper and breakfast, and, behold, even as they were returning with their spoil they met a covey of grouse strolling leisurely down to the lakes edge. Isnt it a wonderful place! exclaimed the happy girl. I wish we could stay a month.
Its like being on the Swiss Family Robinsons Island. I never was more content, he said, fervently. I wouldnt mind staying here all winter.
I would! she laughed. The snow falls four feet deep up here. Its likely theres snow on the divide this minute, and camping in the snow isnt so funny. Some people got snowed in over at Deep Lake last year and nearly all their horses starved before they could get them out. This is a fierce old place in winter-time.
I cant imagine it, he said, indicating the glowing amphitheater which inclosed the lake. See how warmly the sun falls into that high basin! Its all as beautiful as the Tyrol.
The air at the moment was golden October, and the dark clouds which lay to the east seemed the wings of a departing rather than an approaching storm; and even as they looked, a rainbow sprang into being, arching the lake as if in assurance of peace and plenty, and the young people, as they turned to face it, stood so close together that each felt the glow of the others shoulder. The beauty of the scene seemed to bring them together in body as in spirit, and they fell silent.
McFarlane seemed quite unconscious of any necromancy at work upon his daughter. He smoked his pipe, made notes in his field-book, directing an occasional remark toward his apprentice, enjoying in his tranquil, middle-age way the beauty and serenity of the hour.
This is the kind of thing that makes up for a hard days ride, he said, jocosely.
As the sunset came on, the young people again loitered down to the waters edge, and there, seated side by side, on a rocky knoll, watched the phantom gold lift from the willows and climb slowly to the cliffs above, while the water deepened in shadow, and busy muskrats marked its glossy surface with long silvery lines. Mischievous camp-birds peered at the couple from the branches of the pines uttering satirical comment, while squirrels, frankly insolent, dropped cones upon their heads and barked in saucy glee.
Wayland forgot all the outside world, forgot that he was studying to be a forest ranger, and was alive only to the fact that in this most bewitching place, in this most entrancing hour, he had the companionship of a girl
whose eyes sought his with every new phase of the silent and wonderful scene which shifted swiftly before their eyes like a noiseless yet prodigious drama. The blood in his thin body warmed. He forgot his fatigue, his weakness. He was the poet and the forest lover, and this the heart of the range.
Lightly the golden glory rose till only the highest peaks retained its flame; then it leapt to the clouds behind the peaks, and gorgeously lit their somber sulphurous masses. The edges of the pool grew black as night; the voice of the stream grew stern; and a cold wind began to fall from the heights, sliding like an invisible but palpable icy cataract.
At last the girl rose. It is getting dark. I must go back and get supper.
We dont need any supper, he protested.
Father does, and youll be hungry before morning, she retorted, with sure knowledge of men.
He turned from the scene reluctantly; but once at the camp-fire cheerfully gave his best efforts to the work in hand, seconding Berries skill as best he could.