236 East and West 
wonderful desert—and the thoughts fly away 
to the South, where the arid mountains rise 
abruptly like islands from the sea and the 
saguaros stand erect and unbending upon the 
lava cliffs. 
It is strange to feel the force of two attrac- 
tions, so unlike, yet each so individual, so 
compelling. In the distance, the mysterious 
desert—itself as alluring as the mirage, a 
wraith, a phantom beauty on the horizon— 
beckons as of old; while round about, the 
yellow pine forest, so different, so remotely 
different, soothes and beguiles the sense with 
resinous odours and softly whispered songs, 
the enchantment, the very spirit of the North. 
In the presence of two such magicians prac- 
tising their wiles, that which is but mortal 
and susceptible to divine beauty must fain 
surrender. 
