The long grass, brown, yellow and green in a hundred shades, lay like a carpet over the rolling hills and wide spreading valleys, reaching up on every side to the horizon, except toward the west, where it faded into the blue of the foothills at the bases of the mighty Rockies.
Up the long trail, resilient to their horses' feet, they cantered where the going was good, or picked their way with slow and careful tread where the rocky ridges jutted through the black soil.
They made no effort to repulse the thought that this was their last day together, nor did they seek to banish the fact of the war.

With calm courage and hope they faced the facts of their environment, seeking to aid each other in readjusting their lives to those facts.

They were resolutely cheerful.

The day was not to be spoiled with tears and lamentations.

Already each in his own place and time had made his sacrifice of a comradeship that was far dearer than life.