The trail leading between the Guards was not more than six feet wide
but immediately after passing them, one reached a semi-circle of cliffs
standing about a natural arena. Opposite the trail that opened on this
arena, a narrow canyon descended gradually away out of sight.
"These cliffs forming the rim of the bowl are called the 'Imps'
Tombstones.' If you examine them closer, you will find they have queer
faces and all sorts of strange patterns traced on their bodies,"
explained Polly, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"This bowl--as Polly calls it--is as large as Yale Campus, isn't it?"
said Eleanor, hoping to, establish conversation.
"Everything about Pebbly Pit is on a large scale--even the hearts of
the owners," added Anne, patting Polly on the back.
"Pardon me for differing, Anne--not the feet of the owners," laughed
Eleanor, sending a teasing look at her sister.
"Mother says this bowl seems to have been a small crater belonging to
the great pit yonder, when the volcano was active in the centuries long
gone by," explained Polly, as the others ignored Eleanor's remark.
"These Imps certainly are strange formations! Some with arms flung high
as if in defense, others crouching low as if to launch an arrow at the
enemy. And see those--erect with proud mien, in defiance of all others.
They must have been unvanquished," said Anne, interesting Barbara in
spite of her assumed indifference.
"I just guess they weren't so cold and rusty-brown when the old demon
spit fire at them from the active volcano," said Eleanor, gazing aloft
at the grotesque heads with facial forms.
"Nolla! I beg of you to use better English! You know how mother
trembles at your picked-up words from brother!" rebuked Barbara,
seemingly shocked at her sister.
"What a tale these Imps could tell us of remote ages when they were
flung aside as useless in the evolution of things!" said Anne,
diverting a possible argument.
"I say, Anne, why wouldn't this place give you 'atmosphere' for that
story you want to write, some day?" exclaimed Eleanor, unexpectedly.
Anne flushed and Polly looked at her in surprise. Barbara seemed
amazed, too.
"Is this something I never heard of?" asked the latter.
"Oh, no; I once said to Nolla that I should love to be able to write a
story, and she assured me I could do it. She is only teasing, as
usual," laughed Anne, and at the first opportunity, she managed to give
Eleanor a smart rap on the shoulder for her breach of confidence.
Leaving the Imps behind, Polly took the trail that led to the "Devil's
Causeway"--the ravine that cleft two towering peaks of lava. This chasm
descended abruptly to a depth of over five hundred feet and then as
abruptly ascended to the level of the distant end of the trail, where
it brought one to the ridge that over-looked Bear Forks Valley.
"Do you want to go through the Devil's Causeway?" asked Polly.
"Oh, by all means!" exclaimed Anne.
"I wish we had thought of bringing the camera," said Barbara.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account