At last the great summit was gained, and they paused to gaze afar on the land and sea below.

John drew his glass and swept the horizon.

The slight clouds, from which an occasional flake had fallen, cleared away at sunset, and they had an excellent view as far as the eye could reach.
"Do you see any sail ?" she asked.
"None." "Then we must be in an ocean as unexplored and unknown as the great south sea which Balboa discovered." "I know not where we are." The sun set, dipping into the sea and leaving a great, broad phosphorescent light where it disappeared, which broadened and radiated toward the east until it was lost in gloom.
"We cannot return home to-night," said Blanche.
"No; we will seek some suitable spot for passing the night further down the mountain." The mountain top was covered with snow, and they went down a mile or more before they found the ground free from snow, slush, ice or water.
Here, on a mantle made of goat-skins, John induced the shivering Blanche to lie down, while he gathered some stunted brush, small pines and dead grass and built a fire to keep her warm.

During the night the sky became obscured, and a cold rain fell.

Their condition was miserable enough, for they were soaked to the skin and shivering.