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 ?