CHAPTER IV
IN A BIRCH ARBOR
THE storm had cleared the air, no mist veiled the mountains, the sunlight lay everywhere, gilding valley and stream.
Many of the guests had started early in the morning for a trip to a distant mountain from the summit of which a delightful view might be enjoyed.
They were to ride over in the barge to the base of the mountain, have a picnic lunch under the trees, and then climb the rugged path up the mountain side.
It would occupy half the day and it would be afternoon before the barge would return with its merry, tired party.
Floretta Paxton and Jack Tiverton were usually in sight, or, as they were always noisy, within hearing might be nearer the truth, but they had gone over to a spot that the children called "The Pool," a bit of water not much larger than a big puddle.
It existed only after a heavy rain, but near its edge the slender birches grew, and their silvery white trunks and the bright, blue sky were clearly reflected on its surface.