him as he gazed over a rock. The yak crouched down, too. Percy and the Mayor claimed they saw a figure walking through the snow on the opposite mountainside, but I saw nothing but drifting snow. One wonders if they weren ' t seeing patterns of their own invention as one does when one stares at wallpaper for too long.
Before the final turn into the camp, the guide directed our attention to a bear trap that had been sprung. He talked about it for some time, and when he was satisfied we had heard enough, he led us on to the site. And what a site it was! I have no idea if the yak came up here before us, bearing all these loads, but the most regal tents were spread out and all our luggage awaited us there! Rich rugs were laid out and the loveliest picnic! I do enjoy traveling in style! God bless that noble yak!
But then I learned some startling news! There were only two tents, and I was expected to share one with one of the three men! Well, I hardly knew the guide, and he did talk so that he would surely keep me up, I was not very familiar with The Mayor, save that he was quite handsome and had a ridiculous accent, and I could not possibly consider sharing the tent with Percy Longville, for we have grown well-acquainted, and the others might talk! On a similar note, it seemed hardly practical to squeeze all three men into one tent while I was left alone in another with the potential prospect of Yetis stealing in and carrying me away during the night! I chose Percy.
But then I learned some even more startling news! There was only one bed in the tent, and not only that, but the tent was filled with luggage! Oh, my! That noble yak must have delivered ALL of our company ' s luggage to the same camp site by mistake!
" Well!" I exclaimed, and set about crawling across the trunks and unpacking my things to avoid the subject.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST THE EIGHTEENTH
I am quite a changed woman. As I look through my journal, I see how I have complained about him most sorely, and to my discredit have praised much lesser men.
I feel my heart melting; perhaps I have been too restrained? How he frustrates me, but also he makes me feel safe and encouraged.
He sat with me, on the throne of luggage, and read to me from his own journals. He showed me how his camera worked, the very camera that has photographed nearly every person mentioned within these pages.
While he was away for a moment speaking with the other men, I flipped through his journals most imprudently. I consoled myself with the fact that he hardly ever writes anything personal since he is far too concerned with research, facts, and dates. But there I found a passage about myself.
" You might say that she has the courage of a lion, though you might not, perhaps, comfortably say that to the lady in person."( I think you might!) " She has quick wits, the equal of any experienced monster hunter. I have never known anyone to have a clearer head in the face of danger. I was told not to make her an idol by Sir Hammerhorn, for he says, ' She is only a girl.’ But she is not ONLY anything. She is more, and perhaps in time, someday, I could dare to hope that she could be my everything."
Oh! What sentiments! Did he pine for me all this time, or was it a recent affliction? Could I return his love? I had seen in him all types of distress, gentility, intelligence— but he had never spoken of love. Maybe he should have said something sooner?