Page:Boy scouts in the White Mountains; the story of a long hike (IA boyscoutsinwhite00eato).pdf/63

 Lou slipped back to camp presently, and Mr. Rogers, returning before the rest, found him sitting on a rock overlooking the black pit of the Notch, gazing out into space.

"What is it, Lou?" he said. "A penny for your thoughts."

"I was thinking," Lou answered, "that I was never so near the stars before. I suppose four thousand feet isn't much in a billion miles, but somehow they look bigger, and I can almost feel the earth rolling over under 'em. It's the funniest sensation I ever had."

"You're a poet, Lou," said the Scout Master kindly, as he turned to call the rest to bed.

"All hands to bunk!" he shouted. "We've had a hard day, with a harder one ahead."

The Scouts got off their boots and rolled up in their blankets, all of them glad of the chance. Lou blew out the lantern, and turned in, also. The wind which rushed steadily overhead, with a moaning sound, did not reach them down here to leeward of the peak, amid the thick spruces. But it was cold, nonetheless. They lay close together, and drew their blankets tight.

"A funny Fourth," said Peanut sleepily. "Hope we don't roll off in our sleep. Good-night, everybody."

But there was no reply. Every one else was asleep.