In the evening, the screams of the wild mountain birds added to the grandeur of the scene; and often could be seen in the air, sailing along in graceful swoops, the American eagle, proud emblem of our country's glory. In the deep night season, the growling of wild animals, the howling of the winds, whose deep sighs through the ravines, filled the whole air with music--not sweet and silvery, but grand, majestic, overpowering; for nature has her deep bass as well as her rich tenor, and her sweet warbling treble. Here was the effect of the deep bass of harmonious instruments; and to crown all, distant thunder rolled from cliff to cliff, echoing until lost in the distance, and Roland looked on, and listened in eloquent silence. His visit was drawing to a close--how could he descend from such heights of grandeur, to the busy, bustling world again? But duty called; packing up his little all, and gathering the ferns and mosses in a box which he had brought for the purpose, he commenced his descent. Not soon should he forget the inspiration of these vast solitudes, away from man, alone with God. He buckled on his armor, and with a brave spirit sped to the foot of the mountain. Roland had heard much of the beauty of the charming lake Winnipiseogee, which lay on the route to the mountains, and thither he resolved to tarry for awhile. Arriving in the evening, he rambled along its beautiful margin, the glorious mountains spanning the horizon, here adding features of beauty, there of grandeur. It was a great transition from such wild magnificence, to this placid beauty; the calm lake, the pretty little hotel, the boating parties on the clear water, the refined society, the grassy banks with the fine old trees that formed so many bowers of shade, for here it was really summer; all this was soothing, not stirring as the mountain tops. Day by day, musing, sketching, rambling, or rowing about in the little boat, owned by the family, he enjoyed nis summer recreation. One evening, returning from one of these excursions on the lake, stepping on shore, whom should he encounter but Edmund Norris. Seizing Roland's hand, he exclaimed, "Why, my good fellow! how came you here?" "On foot, Edmund!" said Roland, smiling. "But where are you staying?" "At that little cottage, Edmund." "Go, pack up your duds, Roland, and come with me, I can't do without you." "Who is in your party, Edmund?" "Only my mother and sister." "They would consider me an intruder, Edmund; besides, it is impossible, I can't stay at a hotel." "And why not, sir? I think I know, Roland; I will not take any denial--you have done me infinite service, and I can never repay you. I must introduce you to my mother, Roland; she is anxious to know you," and placing his friend's arm within his own, he hurried him off to the hotel.