I flew upstairs to pack some finery . I was wild with delight over the proposed outing . I did not realize what it actually meant , and I had perfect confidence in Kate , who was an expert driver , an experienced camper out , and an excellent manager . If I could have seen what was ahead of us I would certainly not have been quite so jubilant and reckless , but I would have gone all the same . I would not miss the laughter-provoking memories of that trip out of my life for anything . I have always been glad I went . * * * * * We left at sunrise the next morning ; there was a sunrise that morning , for a wonder . The sun came up in a pinky-saffron sky and promised us a fine day . Aunt Jennie bade us goodbye and , estimable woman that she was , did not trouble us with advice or forebodings . Mr. Nash had sent over his `` democrat , '' a light wagon with springs ; and Kate 's `` shaganappies , '' Tom and Jerry -- native ponies , the toughest horse flesh to be found in the world -- were hitched to it . Kate and I were properly accoutred for our trip and looked -- but I try to forget how we looked ! The memory is not flattering . We drove off in the gayest of spirits . Our difficulties began at the start , for we had to drive a mile before we could find a place to ford the creek . Beyond that , however , we had a passable trail for three miles to the little outpost of the Mounted Police , where five or six men were stationed on detachment duty . `` Sergeant Baker is a friend of mine , '' said Kate . `` He 'll be only too glad to lend me all we require . '' The sergeant was a friend of Kate 's , but he looked at her as if he thought she was crazy when she told him where we were going . `` You 'd better take a canoe instead of a team , '' he said sarcastically . `` I 've a good notion to arrest you both as horse thieves and prevent you from going on such a mad expedition . ''
`` You know nothing short of arrest would stop me , '' said XXXXX , nodding at him with laughing eyes , `` and you really wo n't go to such an extreme , I know .
Baker Jennie Jerry Kate Nash day finery forebodings laughter-provoking pinky-saffron