They were tame.
"That's somethin' like," said Wade.

"First birds I've seen this fall.
Reckon I can have stew any day." He halted his horse and made a move to dismount, but with his eyes on the grouse he hesitated.

"Tame as chickens, an' they sure are pretty." Then he rode on, leading his pack-horse.

The trail was not steep, although in places it had washed out, thus hindering a steady trot.

As he progressed the forest grew thick and darker, and the fragrance of pine and spruce filled the air.