294 THE ADIRONDACK. 



up the mountain. The sun had just disappeared beyond 

 the far-off forest when we reached the wild and dreary 

 summit. To our great relief, however, the road now 

 became quite passable and the descent gentle, and we 

 rattled merrily along. We knew there was but one 

 clearing within reach, but whether the family that lived 

 there was at home we knew not, and were equally igno- 

 rant at what hour of the night we should reach it. 

 Darkness was now settling around the mountain top, 

 and the road, that seemed a mere channel cut through 

 the forest, grew every moment more indistinct, and I 

 began to feel a little anxious about a lodging-place for 

 the ladies over night. Being chiefly responsible for 

 their attempting the trip, I was not a little worried lest 

 I should receive a corresponding amount of blame for 

 any awkward results. 



But at length, about nine o'clock, we emerged into 

 the solitary clearing, with its single silent habitation. 

 Not a ray of light shone from its windows ; not a dog 

 welcomed us with his bark ; and I thought for a moment 

 it was wholly deserted. We, however, set up a loud 

 halloo, which soon brought the owner to the door. All 

 the inmates had retired for the night, knowing that day- 

 light was more economical than candle-light to work by. 



