noon
`` Well , '' said Cole , casting an admiring glance towards Jane , `` I think quarters might become tolerable , if well supplied with venison -- and I think they might , between us all . '' The chief saw the look , and a close observer might have for an instant observed a peculiar glitter in his eye , but no word or movement of his indicated that he had witnessed it , or if he did , cared for it . Resuming their journey , they were soon made aware that the ground before them was rising , and covered with a greater depth of snow . By noon they had come to the base of high ranges of hills that rose one above another , and above all towered the Sierra Nevada . Over these the trail extended , and they were compelled either to encamp on the spot , go back , or cross over the mountains . To pass over them seemed impossible -- to encamp on the exposed slope on which they were would subject them unnecessarily to severe suffering from cold ; and their only safe alternative was to fall back to some secure unexposed position , and raise a winter camp . A few miles back , a sheltered position was discovered ; the snow was cleared away , and all working with an earnest will , a commodious hut was soon erected consisting of strong poles for the frame work , which were covered with bark , and this again thickly studded with boughs to keep out the cold .