Page:Boy scouts in the White Mountains; the story of a long hike (IA boyscoutsinwhite00eato).pdf/79

 the ground, and as long as the boys could watch it, it was keeping to every turn and twist.

"He knows the way down!" laughed the man. "And he knows he has no business up here when it's so cold, with night coming on, He'll get down, though, at that rate.

"And now, boys," continued this odd man, "you be as wise as the butterfly! Back to the hotel, shoulder packs, and to your camp!"

He led the way again up the road. He walked so fast that the five boys and Mr. Rogers were all panting. But he himself was not out of breath in the least. He laughed at Peanut.

"Anyhow, I get my wind good in a month up here," he said, "even if it is 'slow' and I'm old enough to be your grandfather!"

"You've not walked nineteen miles to-day," said Peanut.

"No, but I've walked sixteen," the man replied. "I've been down nearly to North Woodstock and back, by the Beaver Brook Trail. You'll know what I mean when you see that trail."

Peanut was silent.

At the Summit House the boys bought some post-*cards showing the view from the top, Frank took a picture of the sunset, to label "Moonlight from Moosilauke," and they all picked up their packs and followed their new leader. He took them back over