It appeared to be a different sky stretching in dark, star-spangled dome over him--closer, vaster, bluer.

The strong fragrance of sage and cedar floated over him with the camp-fire smoke, and all seemed drowsily to subdue his thoughts.
At dawn he rolled out of his blankets and, pulling on his boots, began the day with a zest for the work that must bring closer his calling future.

White, crackling frost and cold, nipping air were the same keen spurs to action that he had known in the uplands of Oregon, yet they were not wholly the same.

He sensed an exhilaration similar to the effect of a strong, sweet wine.

His horse and mule had fared well during the night, having been much refreshed by the grass and water of the little canyon.