"Just look at that rose-colored sandstone," said Esther. "How exquisitely veined! See the gigantic, overhanging mass of rock beyond! And oh, the cactus blossoms! How glorious! The large scarlet blossoms! See?"
"Yes. Exquisite, aren't they? But look at those cliffs over in that direction, Miss Bright," said Edith, pointing to her left, as she spoke. "Do you see anything unusual?"
"Yes. Quaint figures. Indian art, isn't it? I do wish I could see it nearer by."
And so they traveled on, reveling in the beauty everywhere about them.
"Does it ever occur to you," asked Edith, "that God is nearer to us here, in the mountains, than anywhere else?"
"Yes. Does God seem nearer to you here?"
"Much nearer. When we went home to England the last time, I missed something. It seemed to me it was God. We went to the churches and heard great preachers, but they did not make me feel the presence of God as the mountains do. When I come out into the open, as you call it, and see the mountains, it seems to me I could reach my hand out and find God."
"The mountains do great things for us," said Esther, looking up at the jagged cliffs.
Suddenly there was a whir of wings. An enormous eagle roused from his perch on the rocks, made a bold swoop, and soared grandly above their heads.
"Look, look!" cried Esther, in excitement. "An eagle, isn't it? Oh, you splendid creature! How magnificently free!" Her cheeks flushed.