noon
`` As a forest guard with official duties to perform I can meet that young savage on other and more nearly equal terms , '' he assured himself . The trail grew slippery and in places ran full of water . `` But there 's a bottom , somewhere , '' Berrie confidently declared , and pushed ahead with resolute mien . It was noon when they rose above timber and entered upon the wide , smooth slopes of the pass . Snow filled the grass here , and the wind , keen , cutting , unhindered , came out of the desolate west with savage fury ; but the sun occasionally shone through the clouds with vivid splendor . `` It is December now , '' shouted Wayland , as he put on his slicker and cowered low to his saddle . `` It will be January soon . ''