Descending by a steep road, which compelled the laird and Captain
Vallery to put on their drags to prevent the carriages going down faster
than would have been pleasant, they found themselves by the side of a
narrow loch enclosed by mountains. They soon after, rounding a lofty
cliff, arrived at the entrance of the glen which they had come to visit.

On the shore of the loch was a small cottage where they found the cart
with the servants and provisions. They descended from the carriages,
and were joined by several of the laird's friends, who had arrived
before them. Fanny was pleased to find, as had been promised, some
companions of her own age, and several boys rather older than her
brother.

"I can get on very well with them," thought Norman, as he eyed them.
"They will be more fit companions than that stupid little Robby."

The party proceeded up the glen by the margin of a narrow deep stream.
So close were the two sides of the glen that the branches of the trees
which grew on them appeared almost to join overhead, and formed a thick
shade.

After proceeding some way, the glen again opened out, and they found
that they had reached the end of another loch, which extended as far as
the eye could reach, while their ears were saluted by the rushing and
roaring sound of a cataract which came from the heights above them, and
fell dashing and splashing over the rocks, now concealed by the thick
foliage now appearing full in view.

Stopping to admire the romantic scene--the calm loch, the murmuring
stream, the roaring waterfall, the wild rocks with trees growing amidst
them, and the lofty hills rising in many varied shapes on every side,
still higher peaks towering to the sky, the party began to ascend a path
which led to the spot where the picnic was to be held. It was a green
knoll on the mountain side, close to which an off-shoot of the great
waterfall bubbled and sparkled by, while the trees which grew on one
side afforded a sufficient shade from the sun's rays. The number of
rocks which had fallen from the mountains above supplied seats of every
shape, to suit the taste of those who chose to occupy them.

From the knoll a still better view than below, of the waterfall and the
surrounding scenery, was obtained, and everybody agreed that it was the
most perfect place for a picnic imaginable. Fanny and her young friends
were delighted, and while the servants brought up the hampers, and some
of the party were sp