It was a bright morning and the sunlight glimmered on the dew in the broad valley.

The men were just coming from breakfast when we turned in at David Brower's.

A barefooted little girl a bit older than I, with red cheeks and blue eyes and long curly hair, that shone like gold in the sunlight, came running out to meet us and led me up to the doorstep, highly amused at the sight of Fred and the wagon.

I regarded her with curiosity and suspicion at first, while Uncle Eb was talking with the men.

I shall never forget that moment when David Brower came and lifted me by the shoulders, high above his head, and shook me as if to test my mettle.