20 NEW HAMPSHIRE 



got out of them more of companionship. They 

 were with me for two hours, clean up to the 

 ridge, and part way across it. 



Somewhere between the third and fourth mile- 

 boards I stopped short with an exclamation. 

 There, straight before me, over the long eastern 

 shoulder of Moosilauke, beyond the big Jobil- 

 dunk Ravine, loomed or floated a shining snow- 

 white mountain-top. Nothing could have been 

 more beautiful. It was the crest of Mount 

 Washington, I assumed, though even with the 

 aid of a glass I could make out no sign of build- 

 ings, which must have been matted with new- 

 fallen snow. I took its identity for granted, I 

 say. The truth is, I became badly confused 

 about it afterward, such portions of the range 

 as came into view having an unfamiliar aspect ; 

 but later still, on arriving at the summit, found 

 that my first idea had been correct. 



That sudden, heavenly apparition gave me, 

 one of those minutes that are good as years. 

 Once, indeed, in early October, I had seen 

 Mount Washington when it was more resplen- 

 dent : freshly snow-covered throughout, and then, 

 as the sun went down, lighted up before my eyes 

 with a rosy glow, brighter and brighter and 

 brighter, till it seemed all on fire within. But 

 even that unforgettable spectacle had less of 



