I had not meant to frighten them so
much. They were all very quiet, their faces, with the exception of
Gilbert's, were distinctly pale, and hands trembled visibly. The
brandy bottle had but once before been out, but that night, when my
bags were brought in, I handed it to George, that they might have a
bracer, and be able to eat supper.
Later on I was to learn that the game had not yet been played out.
Again the joke was on me.
They drank it all!
CHAPTER IX
MOUNT HUBBARD AND WINDBOUND LAKE
The day following no one was astir early. I think no one slept
much. I could hear from the other tent the low hum of the men's
voices far into the night. Mosquitoes kept me awake. About 2 A.M.
I got up, lighted my candle, and killed all I could find, and after
that I had a little peace, but did not sleep much. It was then
growing light.
There was a general limpness to be observed in camp that morning,
aggravated by a steady downpour of rain; but before noon it
cleared, and the men took all but the camp stuff forward. We had
supper late to avoid the flies, the still night gathering round us
as we ate. Rising close above was the dark mass of Lookout
Mountain, the lake at its foot stretching away into the gloom,
reflecting dimly the tinge of sunset light in the sky above.
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