They had done the errand on which they were sent, and there was little work left in the great valley itself.
The big fires had been lighted again, the cove furnishing wood enough for many days, and within its limited area they brought back glow and cheeriness.

Dick went outside and found all the men in high spirits.
They expected to be held there until a thaw came, but there would be no difficulty, except to obtain forage for the horses, which they must dig from under the snow, or which some of the surest footed mountaineers must bring over the ridge.

He heard that Colonel Winchester was already making arrangements with Reed, and he was too light-hearted to bother himself any more about it.
Warner and Pennington saluted him with bows as a coming captain, and declared that he looked extremely interesting with a white bandage around his head.
"It's merely to prevent bleeding," said Dick.

"The bullet didn't really hurt me, and it won't leave a scar under the hair." "Then since you're not even an invalid," said Pennington, "come on and take your bath.

The boys have broken the ice for a long distance on the creek and all of us early risers have gone there for a plunge, and a short swim.