The air was cold but pure and stimulating.

The wind had ceased to blow, but from far points came the faint swish of sliding snow.
Dick folded his blankets, laid them away carefully, put on his heavy overcoat and gloves, and was ready.

Colonel Winchester maintained a heavy watch, knowing its need, fully fifty men, rifle on shoulder and pistol at belt, patrolling all the ways by which a foe could come.
Dick and his comrades were with a picket at the farther end of the valley, where the creek made its exit, rushing through a narrow and winding gorge.

There was a level space on either side of the creek, but it was too narrow for horsemen, and, clogged as it was with snow, it looked dangerous now for those on foot too.

Nevertheless, the picket kept a close watch.