His extraordinary spell over his men deepened with the passing days.
As they went farther southward they saw sheltered slopes of the mountains where the foliage yet glowed in the reds and yellows of autumn, "purple patches" on the landscape.

Over ridges to both east and west the fine haze of Indian summer yet hung.

It was a wonderful world, full of beauty.

The air was better and nobler than wine, and the creeks and brooks flowing swiftly down the slopes flashed in silver.
There were no enemies here.

The people, mostly women and children--nearly all the men had gone to war--came out to cheer them as they passed, and to bring them what food and clothing they could.