46 
THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
little meadow. Its bright green grass was dotted with 
dandelions and buttercups ; butterflies, red and yellow, 
floated gracefully in the sunshine. A cloud of waterfowl 
rose from the reeds near by, and, flying low over the 
smooth water, plunged into it again not half a mile away, 
with a deal of splashing. 
Not a breeze stirred the surface of the lake ; the hills 
along its shore were reflected as in a mirror. 
" Beautiful, beautiful ! " murmured Mr. Button, baring 
his head for a moment, and gazing over the tranquil 
scene. " Why should not one settle here, and spend his 
days within sight of this lovely sheet of water ? No 
cares, but plenty of — " 
Mosquitoes ! " interrupted one of the Indians, gravely. 
The boys burst into a shout of laughter at the sudden 
conclusion of their father's soliloquy, and ran gleefully 
down to the water's edge. 
See, father, see ! " cried little Nat presently, holding 
up a small brown animal in his arms. It was a young 
marmot, a species which furnishes to the Indians of the 
interior their blankets, these being made of numerous 
skins of the little creatures, sew^ed together. 
After an inspection by all the boys, the captive was 
permitted to waddle off at the top of his speed, presuma- 
bly in the direction his parents had taken. 
" Camp, boys, camp ! " called Mr. Dutton, and all 
hands set busily to work, preparing for the night. The 
tent was pitched on the bank of a tiny stream that fell 
