Noon
For all that , he scrambled after his companion down an almost impossible descent , where trees of increasing size grew up among outcropping rock and banks of stones . When he reached the bottom he found himself in a deep rift filled with densely-matted underbrush , through which a swift stream flowed . Its banks promised a slightly easier road , though now and then they had to wade through the water , which was icy cold . Noon came and they had seen no sign of life , except two or three willow-grouse which they failed to dislodge from cover ; but Lisle held on , his course running roughly in a line with the river . It was toward three o'clock , and a little snow was sifting down between the somber branches overhead , when Lisle , stopping , raised a warning hand and pointed to an opening in the trees . The light was dim among the rows of trunks , and for a few seconds Nasmyth gazed down the long colonnade , seeing nothing . Then Lisle pointed again , impatiently , and he made out something between a gray trunk and a thicket .