er the trails which
grew slippery with wet and snow as they rose higher.
When they paused at times to rest they would all look northward over
the great valley, where a magnificent panorama had gradually risen into
view. They saw a vast stretch of fields turning green, neat villages,
dark belts of forest, the gleam of brooks and creeks, and now and then,
the glitter from a Northern bayonet.
At length the chief guide, a youth named Wallace, announced that the
horses could go no farther. Even in summer when the snow was all gone
and the earth was dry they could not find a footing. Now it was certain
death for them to try the icy steeps.
Sherburne ordered the main body of the troop to halt in a forested and
sheltered glen in the side of the mountain, and, choosing Harry, St.
Clair, Langdon, the guide Wallace, and six others, he advanced with them
on foot. It was difficult climbing, and more than once they were bruised
by falls, but they learned to regard such accidents as trifles, and
ardent of spirit they pressed forward.
"I think we'll get a good view," said Sherburne. "See how brilliantly
the sun is shining in the valley."
"Yes, and the mists on the crests are clearing away," said Harry.
"Then with the aid of the glasses we can get a sweep up the valley for
many miles. Now boys, here we go! up! up!"
If it had not been for the bushes they could never have made the ascent,
as they were now in the region of snow and ice and the slopes were like
glass. Often they were compelled to crawl, and it was necessary, too, to
exercise a good deal of care in crawling.
St. Clair groaned as he rose after climbing a rock, and brushed the
knees of his fine gray trousers.
"Cheer up, Arthur," said Langdon, "it could have been worse. The sharp
stones there might have cut holes through them."
But in spite of every difficulty and danger they went steadily toward
the summit, and streamers of mist yet floating about the mountain often
enclosed them in a damp shroud. Obviously, however, the clouds and
vapors were thinning, and soon the last shred would float away.
"It ain't more'n a hundred feet more to the top," said Wallace, "an'
it's shore that the sun will be shinin' there."
"Shining for us, of course," said Langdon. "It's a good omen."
"I wish I could always look for the best as you do, Tom," said St.
Clair.
"I'm glad I can. Gay hearts are better than riches. As sure as I climb,
Arthur, I see the top."
"Yes,
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