ty-five. They were both
natives of the region, and in constant demand among the tourists who
climbed the peaks of the Blueridge and Cumberland Mountains.

A light wagon with two good horses was provided to carry us to the
foot of the range. It contained provisions for two or three days,
beyond which our trip surely would not be protracted. Mr. Smith had
shown himself a generous provider both in meats and in liquors. As to
water the mountain springs would furnish it in abundance, increased
by the heavy rains, frequent in that region during springtime.

It is needless to add that the Mayor of Morganton in his role of
hunter, had brought along his gun and his dog, Nisko, who gamboled
joyously about the wagon. Nisko, however, was to remain behind at the
farm at Wildon, when we attempted our ascent. He could not possibly
follow us to the Great Eyrie with its cliffs to scale and its
crevasses to cross.

The day was beautiful, the fresh air in that climate is still cool of
an April morning. A few fleecy clouds sped rapidly overhead, driven
by a light breeze which swept across the long plains, from the
distant Atlantic. The sun peeping forth at intervals, illumined all
the fresh young verdure of the countryside.

An entire world animated the woods through which we passed. From
before our equipage fled squirrels, field-mice, parroquets of
brilliant colors and deafening loquacity. Opossums passed in hurried
leaps, bearing their young in their pouches. Myriads of birds were
scattered amid the foliage of banyans, palms, and masses of
rhododendrons, so luxuriant that their thickets were impenetrable.

We arrived that evening at Pleasant Garden, where we were comfortably
located for the night with the mayor of the town, a particular friend
of Mr. Smith. Pleasant Garden proved little more than a village; but
its mayor gave us a warm and generous reception, and we supped
pleasantly in his charming home, which stood beneath the shades of
some giant beech-trees.

Naturally the conversation turned upon our attempt to explore the
interior of the Great Eyrie. "You are right," said our host, "until
we all know what is hidden within there, our people will remain
uneasy."

"Has nothing new occurred," I asked, "since the last appearance of
flames above the Great Eyrie?"

"Nothing, Mr. Strock. From Pleasant Garden we can see the entire
crest of the mountain. Not a suspicious noise has come down to us.
Not a spark has risen. If a legio