A HERMIT'S WILD FRIENDS 



fact, that I could feel the solid rock tremble 

 beneath my tent from the shock of wave 

 against headland, one fourth of a mile dis- 

 tant. 



The storm died out, but it left an impression 

 on my mind that caused me to look for a 

 locality less exposed to the wind. I found 

 an ideal spot on the " Old Salem Road." The 

 spot was surrounded by wooded hills, where 

 a little brook crept out of a swamp and crossed 

 to the south side of the old highway. After 

 crossing the highway, the waters of the brook 

 went tumbling and singing down to another 

 swamp, where they were lost in a tangle of 

 moss, ferns, and marsh-marigolds. 



The Old Salem Road had been deserted 

 more than one hundred years, save as a wood 

 road in winter. At one time it was the con- 

 necting link between Salem and Gloucester. 

 Seven ruined cellars indicate the spots where 

 dwelling-houses once stood. 



I moved my tent from the Eyrie, and put 

 it up within the limits of the old highway, 



