Twenty sixThe journey back from Deep Water's was slow and ponderous, Simms's horse sinking up to its forearms in snow with every step. A resilient and sturdy beast, it kept going and, before long, gained an area comparatively clear and broke into a canter, tossing its head with relief. Deep Water, accepting Simms's request without reservation, set off towards Bovey at the same time, but his way seemed easier and Simms cursed him for that.
Deciding to rest at what remained of Lester Garfield's 'Harness and Saddles' store, Simms turned his horse into the biting wind. Relying on his judgement, gleamed from traversing this area many times, he made the slight detour to what had once been a vibrant trading station. Now, abandoned some years before, what remained was nothing more than a dilapida
