She rode well, and as yet showed no symptoms of fatigue or pain.

Helen began to be aware of both, but not enough yet to limit her interest.
A wonderful forest without birds did not seem real to her.

Of all living creatures in nature Helen liked birds best, and she knew many and could imitate the songs of a few.

But here under the stately pines there were no birds.

Squirrels, however, began to be seen here and there, and in the course of an hour's travel became abundant.