noon
The higher he climbed the more wonderful became the view . The trail twisted around the mountain side , and from this vantage ground the solitary traveller could look forth upon vast reaches of forest and great wild meadows far below , with here and there placid lakes , mirroring trees , mountain peaks , and billowy clouds . The voices of his companions had long since died away , and he was alone with the brooding silence all around , and his own thoughts for company . At noon he rested under the shade of an old storm-beaten tree , and ate his meagre lunch . This finished , he lighted his pipe and stretched himself full length upon the mossy ground . He was feeling more contented than he had been in many a day . The air was invigorating , and a desire came over him to be up and doing .