As, sultry and heavy, the atmosphere enshrouded Lake Sap- 

 phire, a stillness also prevailed. Only the oecasional buzzing of 

 insects or the sharp whizz of a darning needle da^'ting spasmodi- 

 cally about disturbed the scene's placidity. None less calm was 

 the sheet of water lying at the mountain's base. Through the 

 green grasses occasionally lighter colours shone streaked with 

 red or yellow. Dejise and high the wild flowers grew about 

 the banks. Vines interiningled with them, and trees sprang from 

 eveti the mountain s rocky side. 



(LV.) 



