The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-03


Lois often joined the little excursion
lists, returning as blithe and interest
ed as any of them; her longing eyes
would often rest upon the near noun
tain and upon Polly's home perched
on its side. She greatly desired to as
cend that mountain and to get a
nearer view of the little home. One
day expressing this desire to Mr..
Smith he informed her that the ascent
could be made in almost any vehicle
and with comfort; that the road
winds about by easy grades to the
little farm which is on plateau, not
on steep incline as appears from the
valley. Lois proposed picnic on that
elevation, proposition SO pleasing
to all that preparations soon were
made for the purpose. One bright
morning shortly after, two light wag-
ons loaded with picnicers and ample
provisions, with experienced drivers
and drawn by strong horses, we're
ascending the mountain road.
The way was thickly wooded, afford
ing abundant shade. Gazing upward
we could see birch, beech and maple
trees were becoming less numerous
until only evergreen varieties were
seen, and even these nearer the sum-
NIT presented a stunted and sparse
appearance.
At length we climb a rocky ledge
and reach the Andrus farm; the chill
dren cry, "Here comes Polyanthus'
and run to meet her. Now doves on
the roof of the house attract their at
tention, then hens, chickens and tur-
keys in the barnyard; but when an
old gobbler came sailing with his, to
them, hideous noises, Bessie ran
screaming to us for protection. Harry
ran a little way, then turned and
bravely stood his ground; this was
their first experience with the un-
roasted bird.
At the side of the house was gar
den gay with flowers; morning glory
vines were trained over the porch,
the blossoms in their full beauty.
We were welcomed by Mrs. Andrus,
tidy good-looking woman, little
Jane, shy, chubby child in ruffied
pink dress, concealed herself as much
as possible in the ample folds of her
mothers dress. The father was away
but Peter was at hand willing and
ready to assist.
The rooms, furnished with little
more than the bare necessaries of
life, were pleasant and clean. Hav-
ing been told of the extended and
charming view from the summit and
feeling equal to the climb, we were
anxious to undertake it, as Peter af-
frmed the ascent would not be diff
ficult; he was familiar with the path
and would be our guide; but the
children were clamorous for the pic
mic. They had been exercising, and in
the exhilarating mountain air doubt
less felt the keen demands of appe-
tite. The older children favored the
plan and made preparations. A long
table was hastily constructed, cloths
spread, and our provisions, with the
dessert of fruits, nuts and candies
soon arranged. Ere long we we're
ready for the upward course. Bert, at
his urgent request made one of the
party; the other children in care of
Mrs. Smith were left enjoying their
goodies.
Hard wood stats were provided
for us and very useful we found them
before reaching the summit. The
view was grand, beautiful beyond
words; there we're dark, thickly
wooded ridges and rich valleys
threaded by roads and streams; white
villages and isolated houses here and
there nestled among the verdancy.
Beyond the White Mountains, above
all others, Mt. Washington could be
distinguished, and west, the silvery
glimmer of Lake Caamplain, or as
the early Indians POLITICALLY named
it, 1.-THE Gate of the Country"
With lingering gaze at the mag
nificent view we reluctantly retraced
our steps.
Meanwhile Mrs. Andrus and Polly
cleared the table and put things to
rights, with Bessie trotting after, sup
posing she was helping, and that work
was as good as play.
Harry wandered awhile aimlessly
about wishing he had been allowed
to climb up to the peak, "because
Bert was a little older, of course he
could CO." Harry considered himself
much misused boy, then self-pity
changed to anger; he determined to
follow them, and without second
thought started up the path he saw
them take.