noon
They made a hasty breakfast , then started the stiff and weary horses through the drifts toward Mormon Valley . But Tom horse , facing homeward , needed none of the rowelling that he had demanded on the way up . The cold and wind were difficult to bear , for the two young people were inexpressibly weary of brain as well as body . By noon they made the valley . It was a slow-moving little outfit that finally limped past Nelson 's corral and was greeted by a shout from the cabin door . Elijah , his wife , and children , rushed out to meet them and led them into the big bed-living-room off the kitchen . `` Well , '' said Mrs. Nelson , `` I knew she 'd have to come back with you ! ''