noon
The trail wound in and out around the mountain-side , and their sure-footed horses followed it , never daunted by fallen trees or by rocky and precipitous places . More than once every Vigilante save one held her breath as she was carried up a dangerous , almost obliterated path to heights beyond . But Virginia 's Pedro , who was far-famed as a trailer , led the way , and his rider called back reassuring words to those behind . By noon the air was cold . They were near snow , Malcolm said . A few minutes more and they had reached it -- a veritable snow-bank in late July . The Vigilantes , reënforced by Aunt Nan , challenged the boys to a snow-ball fight , and they all dismounted for the fray .