Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/7



CHAPTER I.

"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY."

"No; I am not tired of life. Who could be on such a day? I am weary simply of this way of living. I want to get away—away from this stagnant hole. It is the same dull story over and over again, day after day, world without end, amen!"

"Would you be a bit more contented in any other spot?"

"I think so. I cannot believe that mankind in general is so selfish, so hypocritical, and, worst crime of all, so hopelessly stupid as it is here. The world is 25,000 miles in circumference. Why spend all one's days in this split in the mountains?"

"But, tell me, what is your ambition, then? Have you one?"

"You would smile pityingly if I told it you."

"No; I'll be as serious as—as you."

"Then incline thine ear. I would I were the ruler of a savage tribe, in the heart of far-away New Zealand, shut in by towering mountains from the outer world."

"But why spend all one's days in a valley?"

"Oh, well, if you're going in for a valley, why not have a good one?"

She throws herself down beside him on the grass and clasps her arms about his neck. "You foolish boy; you don't know what you want."

"Don't I?" He draws the glowing face to his and kisses it.