The thought that the upward climb was at an end at last cheered everybody in the party. They looked ahead eagerly, but the gloom of night was at hand and they could see little. "If it was real clear maybe we could see some of them gold camps," said Maybe Dixon, in disappointed tones. "Do you think we are close enough?" asked Si. "It ain't that, lad. In a good clear air one can see for a long distance over these mountains." "Then we've got lots of traveling to do yet?" "Yes,--unless somebody has discovered gold along this trail. Gold may be in one place as well as another." That night they went into camp close to the edge of a mighty cliff. Firewood was as scarce as "hen's teeth," as Si said, and they had to make the most of a tiny blaze just big enough to cook supper. They ate their food piping hot, which warmed them some. Then they got out all of their blankets. "We are in for a night of it," said Mark, as he looked at the sky. "Snow?" queried Bob, laconically. "Yes, and a lot of it." "I believe you. Too bad! when we are so near the end of the journey!" "Well, as it can't be helped, we'll have to make the best of it." It was decided that the entire party, including the Sockets, should camp together, and the horses and the mule were tied up close by. Darling was so tired he soon dropped down and fell asleep and the other steeds speedily followed. Mark had the first watch and Bob and Si followed. Then Maybe Dixon took his turn. By this time it was snowing steadily. "In for it sure," said Dixon to Josiah Socket, who relieved him. "I'm afraid we won't do much travelin' to-morrow." On account of the fall of snow it was not very cold, so the party slept fairly well even without a campfire. Mark was the first person to stir of his own party. "Well, we are snowed in surely!" he cried, as he gazed around. On all sides was a spread of dazzling white, and the snow was still coming down steadily. The pass behind them was totally blotted out, and they could see next to nothing ahead. "The wust yet!" groaned Josiah Socket. "I calkerlated to be well sheltered by the time the snow was a-flyin'. What are we going to do?" "I know what I am in favor of," said Mark, decidedly. "What?" "I'm in favor of getting down from this mountain somehow, to where we can strike better shelter and plenty of firewood, and water. We can't stay here all winter." Mark's opinion was the opinion of all. They would wait for the snow to stop and then go on. It was not until two o'clock in the afternoon that the fall ceased. But then the sun came out as if by magic, and on they went as rapidly as the animals with their burdens could travel. Two old miners had come up and they assisted in keeping to the proper trail. All kept on until darkness made it unwise to go further.