THE CAPTAIN AND CREW. 25 
Sat 


why? I cannot tell you half the why’s. © A7¢t wp! Strike for 
the forest, lake, and stream. Stay September and October. 
It’s the only way to really understand it. My companion 
stops paddling, while the canoe keeps on without a dip of the 
paddle, so used is she to do our bidding. 
‘© Well, what’s the matter, Cap?” 
‘Ts not this grand,” says he. 
*¢ Ah, the scene impresses you ! ” 
And why should it not. All up the bank upon our right, 
on large and small, the late afternoon sun is gilding the sides 
and tops of the firs and spruces, while through the openings 
between we can see upon the mixed, wooded, higher land 
beyond and above, many golden-topped evergreens high 
over all. And now upon the bank again, between the golden 
trees and at their roots, we notice the granite boulders so old 
and bleached, and some moss covered and gray, showing their 
heads among the dwarfed red maples and baby evergreens, all 
in pleasing harmony, while at the feet of all, the glistening 
ripples along the shore adds a pretty line of beauty. While 
on our left, the dark, thick spruce and fir trees, growing so 
thick upon the mossy bank, shut out the sunlight from below 
and mirror themselves in the water beneath, true to the real 
above. Our ‘‘ little lady” moving slowly and lightly along 
over the centre of the narrow river so deep and quiet, shows 
her counterpart keeping her company. Away ahead and far 
behind the scene is but little changed. 
‘¢ Hark! hear the bell bird.” 
‘¢ Ah, yes indeed, that’s him; how pretty, and how fitting 
to the pretty river with its dark shady, and light sunny bank. 
Well has the rare bird shown his good taste in choosing his 
home to ring the only bell to be appreciated here. God 
