s Aunt and Colonel Doolittle. "This way, Aunt
'Lethe," they could hear him say.

An instant later he appeared, leading the way up the steep trail. His
Aunt, Neb and the Colonel followed him.

"Now, Aunt 'Lethe," he said gaily, "you can rest at last. Colonel, I can
welcome you in earnest. This is, indeed, a pleasure."

The Colonel was puffing fiercely from the hard work of the climb, but
his broad face glowed with pleasure. He took a long, full breath of the
exhilerating mountain air. "Pleasure? It's a derby-day, sir,
metaphorically speaking." As he rested he eyed the youngster with
approval. "Frank," said he, "you've grown to be the very image of my old
friend, Judge Layson. Ah, five years have made their changes in us
all--except Miss 'Lethe." He bowed gallantly in her direction, and she
gaily answered the salute.

Barbara advanced, enthusiastically, looking at the Colonel with arch
envy in her eyes. "Five years you've been in Europe, surrounded by the
nobility. Oh, Colonel, what happiness!"

He shook his head. "Happiness away from old Kentucky, surrounded by a
lot of numb-skulls who couldn't mix a fancy drink to save their lives,
who know nothing of that prismatic, rainbow-hued fountain of youth, a
mint-julep? Ah!"

"But, Colonel," said the girl, "the masterpieces of art!"

"Give me," said he, "the masterpieces of Mother Nature--the bright-eyed,
rose-cheeked, cherry-lipped girls of old Kentucky!"

There was a general laugh. The Colonel's gallantry was ever-blooming.
Frank applauded and the ladies bowed.

"By the way, Frank," said the Colonel, after they had been made
comfortable in a merry group before the cabin-door, "where is that
particular masterpiece of Nature which you've written us so much about?
Where is the--Diana?"

Miss Alathea smiled at her somewhat worried nephew. "The 'phenomenon,'"
said she.

"According to Neb, who told us of her as we worked up that steep
trail," said Barbara, "the 'deer.'" She laughed, not too good naturedly
Neb, who was standing waiting orders near, grinned broadly.

"Neb, you rascal!" exclaimed Frank.

"Come, where is she, Frank; where is she?" asked the Colonel.

The youth was not too much embarrassed, but he gave a quick, side-glance
at Barbara. "She is probably getting ready to receive you," he replied.
"I told her I expected you and she's been very much excited over it."

"Adding to nature's charms the mysteries of art," the Colonel said,
approvingly. "We shal