Panting from their exertions, they were often compelled to rest.
“Look!” exclaimed Jack, presently, pointing downward.
There, far below them, was the “Gray Gull.” The breeze had straightened out the bunting and it fluttered gracefully at the end of the pole. It was their boat—their home for the time being, and all surveyed it with a sense of pride and pleasure.
The further they climbed, the more often they had to wait for Norman. His strength was not equal to theirs, and, at length, he was obliged to follow the beaten trail. All the boys were surprised at the length of the climb, for they were at one of the highest parts of the Palisades.
But the top was finally reached, and, with aching limbs and panting breath, they threw themselves amidst some tall grasses to rest.
“What a dandy view!” cried Jack, enthusiastically.
From the heights a magnificent panorama opened out before them. The great Hudson reflected the gray, somber clouds, and the hills beyond melted into the haze of distance. It was all vast and impressive. The sound of a motor boat, a mere speck, four hundred feet below them, reached their ears with singular clearness.
“You now have a good view of one of the most famous rivers in the world,” said Norman.
For a long time they gazed, and it is safe to say that there was not much that escaped their attention.
Finally Jack arose.