es
also to account for so strange an appearance; but the only solution that
seemed to them at all admissible was, that a quartz vein had, at some
early period of the world's history, been shattered by a volcanic
eruption, and the plain thus strewn with gold.

But from the contemplation of these and many other interesting sights
and phenomena we must pass to an event which seriously affected the
future plans of the travellers.

One beautiful evening--such an evening as, from its deep quiet and
unusual softness, leaves a lasting impression on the memory--the two
horsemen found themselves slowly toiling up the steep acclivity of a
mountain-ridge. Their advance was toilsome, for the way was rugged, and
no track of any kind assisted them in their ascent.

"I fear the poor horses will give in," said Ned, dismounting and looking
back at his companion, who slowly followed him.

"We are near the summit," answered Tom, "and they shall have a long rest
there."

As he spoke, they both dismounted and advanced on foot, leading their
fatigued horses by the bridles.

"Do you know," said Tom, with a sigh, "I feel more used up to-day than I
have been since we started on this journey. I think we had better
encamp and have a cup of tea; there is a little left yet, if I mistake
not."

"With all my heart, Tom; I, too, feel inclined to rest, and--"

Ned paused, for at that moment they overtopped the highest edge of the
ridge, and the view that burst upon them was well fitted to put to
flight every previous train of thought.

The ridge on which they stood rose several hundred feet above the level
of the plain beyond, and commanded a view of unknown extent towards the
far west.

The richest possible sweep of country was spread out at their feet like
a huge map, bathed in a glow of yellow sunshine. Lakes and streams,
crags and rocks, sward, and swamp, and plain--undulating and abrupt,
barren and verdant--all were there, and could be embraced in a single
wide-sweeping glance. It seemed, to the entranced travellers, like the
very garden of Eden. Water-fowl flew about in all directions, the
whistling of their wings and their wild cries being mellowed by distance
into pleasant music; and, far away on the right, where a clear lake
mirrored each tree on its banks, as if the image were reality, a herd of
deer were seen cooling their sides and limbs in the water, while, on the
extreme horizon, a line of light indicated the shores of th