Had Nucky been other than he was, he might have been amused and not a
little charmed by Diana's housewifely ways when they made camp that
afternoon. She helped to kindle the fire and to unpack the provisions.
She lent a hand at arranging the beds and set the table, all with eager
docility and intelligence. But Nucky, after doing the chores Frank set
him, wandered off to a seat that commanded a wide view of the trail,
where he remained in silent contemplation of the wonders before him
until called to supper.
He was silent during the meal, giving no heed to Diana's small attempts
at conversation, and wandered early to his blankets. In the morning,
however, he was all boy again, even attempting once or twice to tease
Diana, in a boy's offhand manner. That small person, however, had
become conscious of the fact that Enoch was not interested in her, and
she had withdrawn into herself with a pride and self-control that was
highly amusing to her father. Nor did she unbend during the day.
The return trip was made with but one untoward incident. This occurred
after they had reached the snow line. Much of the snow had thawed and
by late afternoon there was ice on the trail. Frank led the way very
gingerly and the mules often stopped of their own accord, while the
guide roughened the path for them with the axe.
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