1.56 THE UPPER RAPIDS. 



too much than too little ; it is quite true 

 that England ceased to be merry England 

 when the fairies left off dancing on the 

 green.' ' 



By this time the boats were in motion, 

 and were proceeding down the stream again, 

 side by side. The men pulled out well and 

 steadily together ; but it was rather as if 

 they were all anxious to arrive at their jour- 

 ney's end, than from any thing like emula- 

 tion. There was no longer any disposition 

 to race, or even to joke and laugh. They 

 spoke gravely, and in undertones ; their 

 minds seemed sobered and subdued, as if 

 they had been delivered from some great 

 danger. 



And this feeling was increased by the 

 gradual but complete change that had come 

 over the heavens. No clouds had arisen, 

 nor a breath of wind ; but, as night fell, the 

 unnatural and unhealthy-looking haze, that 

 had all day long hung over the face of the 

 country, gradually thickened, so that not a 

 star could shine through : the light left by 

 the setting sun seemed not as if it had faded, 

 but as if it had been smothered up by the 

 darkness. Everything felt damp and wet, 



