XII. 



ON ECHO LAKE. 



" I'M going to bed," said the Doctor at length, and off 

 he went, leaving John and myself alone. 



"This is like old times," said Steenburger as he drew 

 his chair up before the fire. " I like this place. I used 

 to think it the limit of all my travels to get as far off as 

 this, and of all hopes of travel. I don't like it less, or any 

 other place better even now." 



" One may go much farther and see nothing better 

 worthy his eye-sight. My hand is lame to-night, John. 

 Bring me that book, please ; that's a good fellow. I have 

 worked hard to-day, what with driving and fishing." 



" I should think so. Where have you been ?" 



" Up the East Branch to Pollard's ; and what a drive 

 home that was ! The last rays of the sun made the Eagle 

 . Cliff shine out in golden splendor beyond all words to 

 speak of." 



"This valley reminds me sometimes of Chamouni. 

 The lights of the afternoon sun are often the same." 



" Yes ; but nowhere in the world is there any thing to 

 match the grandeur of that Profile. It is the American 

 wonder of the world. Niagara is nothing to it. It grows 

 on me from year to year. The unutterable calmness of 

 that face high up in the clouds is more impressive than 

 the loftiest mountain or the most thunderous cataract." 



