noon
`` In doing this , '' said Cole , `` we can reach Mr. Duncan 's camp , if still where you left him , which I think he is , before midsummer , and then he will be able to reach you at the nearest settlement by the time frost again comes . I am willing to accompany the chief , while Jones can guide you in safety over the Sierra before you . '' Selecting two of the best horses for the use of Whirlwind and Cole , they took leave of them , charging them with a multitude of messages for their friends , and when they started on the homeward route , they too moved on towards the mountain before them , whose snow-crested head loomed up among the clouds . At noon our wanderers halted at the spot they retreated from when they went into their winter quarters , and after resting , began to climb the rugged ascent , Jones leading the way ; and , save an occasional path beaten by the denizens of the forest , their only landmark was the blazed trees . -LSB- 14 -RSB- Jones had been over the ground before , and as his memory was very tenacious , he saved them from much anxiety , and often from danger , as well as unnecessary fatigue . Their progress was necessarily slow and painful , but they were still brave at heart , and bore it in silence . At night they halted by the side of a beautiful lake , around which the hills curved gracefully , forming a natural basin , which held the transparent waters against the side of the mountain .