’Youlaughatme，’saidhe，takingtheeldestdaughter’shand，andlaughinghimself。’YouthinkmyambitionasnonsensicalasifIweretofreezemyselftodeathonthetopofMountWashington，onlythatpeoplemightspyatmefromthecountryroundabout。And，truly，thatwouldbeanoblepedestalforaman’sstatue！’
’Itisbettertositherebythisfire，’answeredthegirl，blushing，’andbecomfortableandcontented，thoughnobodythinksaboutus。’
’Isuppose，’Saidherfather，afterafitofmusing，’thereissomethingnaturalinwhattheyoungmansays；andifmymindhadbeenturnedthatway，Imighthavefeltjustthesame。Itisstrange，wife，howhistalkhassetmyheadrunningonthingsthatareprettycertainnevertocometopass。’
’Perhapstheymay，’observedthewife。’Isthemanthinkingwhathewilldowhenheisawidower？’
’No，no！’criedhe，repellingtheideawithreproachfulkindness。’WhenIthinkofyourdeath，Esther，Ithinkofmine，too。ButIwaswishingwehadagoodfarminBartlett，orBethlehem，orLittleton，orsomeothertownshiproundtheWhiteMountains；butnotwheretheycouldtumbleonourheads。IshouldwanttostandwellwithmyneighborsandbecalledSquire，andsenttoGeneralCourtforatermortwo；foraplain，honestmanmaydoasmuchgoodthereasalawyer。AndwhenIshouldbegrownquiteanoldman，andyouanoldwoman，soasnottobelongapart，Imightdiehappyenoughinmybed，andleaveyouallcryingaroundme。Aslategravestonewouldsuitmeaswellasamarbleone——withjustmynameandage，andaverseofahymn，andsomethingtoletpeopleknowthatIlivedanhonestmananddiedaChristian。’
’Therenow！’exclaimedthestranger；’itisournaturetodesireamonument，beitslateormarble，orapillarofgranite，oragloriousmemoryintheuniversalheartofman。’
’We’reinastrangeway，tonight，’saidthewife，withtearsinhereyes。
’Theysayit’sasignofsomething，whenfolks’mindsgoawanderingso。Harktothechildren！’
Theylistenedaccordingly。Theyoungerchildrenhadbeenputtobedinanotherroom，butwithanopendoorbetween，sothattheycouldbeheardtalkingbusilyamongthemselves。Oneandallseemedtohavecaughttheinfectionfromthefiresidecircle，andwereoutvyingeachotherinwildwishes，andchildishprojectsofwhattheywoulddowhentheycametobemenandwomen。Atlengthalittleboy，insteadofaddressinghisbrothersandsisters，calledouttohismother。
’I’lltellyouwhatIwish，mother，’criedhe。’Iwantyouandfatherandgrandma’m，andallofus，andthestrangertoo，tostartrightaway，andgoandtakeadrinkoutofthebasinoftheFlume！’
Nobodycouldhelplaughingatthechild’snotionofleavingawarmbed，anddraggingthemfromacheerfulfire，tovisitthebasinoftheFlume-abrook，whichtumblesovertheprecipice，deepwithintheNotch。Theboyhadhardlyspoken"whenawagonrattledalongtheroad，andstoppedamomentbeforethedoor。Itappearedtocontaintwoorthreemen，whowerecheeringtheirheartswiththeroughchorusofasong，whichresounded，inbrokennotes，betweenthecliffs，whilethesingershesitatedwhethertocontinuetheirjourneyorputuphereforthenight。’
’Father，’saidthegirl，’theyarecallingyoubyname。’
Butthegoodmandoubtedwhethertheyhadreallycalledhim，andwasunwillingtoshowhimselftoosolicitousofgainbyinvitingpeopletopatronizehishouse。Hethereforedidnothurrytothedoor；
andthelashbeingsoonapplied，thetravellersplungedintotheNotch，stillsingingandlaughing，thoughtheirmusicandmirthcamebackdrearilyfromtheheartofthemountain。
’There，mother！’criedtheboy，again。’They’dhavegivenusaridetotheFlume。’
Againtheylaughedatthechild’spertinaciousfancyforanightramble。Butithappenedthatalightcloudpassedoverthedaughter’sspirit；shelookedgravelyintothefire，anddrewabreaththatwasalmostasigh。Itforceditsway，inspiteofalittlestruggletorepressit。Thenstartingandblushing，shelookedquicklyroundthecircle，asiftheyhadcaughtaglimpseintoherbosom。Thestrangeraskedwhatshehadbeenthinkingof。
’Nothing，’answeredshe，withadowncastsmile。’OnlyIfeltlonesomejustthen。’
’Oh，Ihavealwayshadagiftoffeelingwhatisinotherpeople’shearts，’saidhe，halfseriously。’ShallItellthesecretsofyours？ForI
knowwhattothinkwhenayounggirlshiversbyawarmhearth，andcomplainsoflonesomenessathermother’sside。ShallIputthesefeelingsintowords？’
’Theywouldnotbeagirl’sfeelingsanylongeriftheycouldbeputintowords，’repliedthemountainnymph，laughing，butavoidinghiseye。
Allthiswassaidapart。Perhapsagermoflovewasspringingintheirhearts，sopurethatitmightblossominParadise，sinceitcouldnotbematuredonearth；forwomenworshipsuchgentledignityashis；andtheproud，contemplative，yetkindlysoulisoftenestcaptivatedbysimplicitylikehers。Butwhiletheyspokesoftly，andhewaswatchingthehappysadness，thelightsomeshadows，theshyyearningsofamaiden’snature，thewindthroughtheNotchtookadeeperanddreariersound。Itseemed，asthefancifulstrangersaid，likethechoralstrainofthespiritsoftheblast，whoinoldIndiantimeshadtheirdwellingamongthesemountains，andmadetheirheightsandrecessesasacredregion。Therewasawailalongtheroad，asifafuneralwerepassing。Tochaseawaythegloom，thefamilythrewpinebranchesontheirfire，tillthedryleavescrackledandtheflamearose，discoveringonceagainasceneofpeaceandhumblehappiness。Thelighthoveredaboutthemfondly，andcaressedthemall。Therewerethelittlefacesofthechildren，peepingfromtheirbedapart，andherethefather’sframeofstrength，themother’ssubduedandcarefulmien，thehigh-
browedyouth，thebuddinggirl，andthegoodoldgrandam，stillknittinginthewarmestplace。Theagedwomanlookedupfromhertask，and，withfingerseverbusy，wasthenexttospeak。
’Oldfolkshavetheirnotions，’saidshe，’aswellasyoungones。You’vebeenwishingandplanning；andlettingyourheadsrunononethingandanother，tillyou’vesetmymindawanderingtoo。Nowwhatshouldanoldwomanwishfor，whenshecangobutasteportwobeforeshecomestohergrave？Children，itwillhauntmenightanddaytillItellyou。’
’Whatisit，mother？’criedthehusbandandwifeatonce。
Thentheoldwoman，withanairofmysterywhichdrewthecirclecloserroundthefire，informedthemthatshehadprovidedhergrave-
clothessomeyearsbefore——anicelinenshroud，acapwithamuslinruff，andeverythingofafinersortthanshehadwornsinceherweddingday。Butthiseveninganoldsuperstitionhadstrangelyrecurredtoher。Itusedtobesaid，inheryoungerdays，thatifanythingwereamisswithacorpse，ifonlytheruffwerenotsmooth，orthecapdidnotsetright，thecorpseinthecoffinandbeneaththeclodswouldstrivetoputupitscoldhandsandarrangeit。Thebarethoughtmadehernervous。
’Don’ttalkso，grandmother！’saidthegirl，shuddering。
’Now’——continuedtheoldwoman，withsingularearnestness，yetsmilingstrangelyatherownfolly——’Iwantoneofyou，mychildren-
whenyourmotherisdressedandinthecoffin——Iwantoneofyoutoholdalooking-glassovermyface。WhoknowsbutImaytakeaglimpseatmyself，andseewhetherall’sright？’
’Oldandyoung，wedreamofgravesandmonuments，’murmuredthestrangeryouth。’Iwonderhowmarinersfeelwhentheshipissinking，andthey，unknownandundistinguished，aretobeburiedtogetherintheocean-thatwideandnamelesssepulchre？’
Foramoment，theoldwoman’sghastlyconceptionsoengrossedthemindsofherhearersthatasoundabroadinthenight，risingliketheroarofablast，hadgrownbroad，deep，andterrible，beforethefatedgroupwereconsciousofit。Thehouseandallwithinittrembled；thefoundationsoftheearthseemedtobeshaken，asifthisawfulsoundwerethepealofthelasttrump。Youngandoldexchangedonewildglance，andremainedaninstant，pale，affrighted，withoututterance，orpowertomove。Thenthesameshriekburstsimultaneouslyfromalltheirlips。
’TheSlide！TheSlide！’
Thesimplestwordsmustintimate，butnotportray，theunutterablehorrorofthecatastrophe。Thevictimsrushedfromtheircottage，andsoughtrefugeinwhattheydeemedasaferspot——where，incontemplationofsuchanemergency，asortofbarrierhadbeenreared。Alas！theyhadquittedtheirsecurity，andfledrightintothepathwayofdestruction。Downcamethewholesideofthemountain，inacataractofruin。Justbeforeitreachedthehouse，thestreambrokeintotwobranches——shiverednotawindowthere，butoverwhelmedthewholevicinity，blockeduptheroad，andannihilatedeverythinginitsdreadfulcourse。LongerethethunderofthegreatSlidehadceasedtoroaramongthemountains，themortalagonyhadbeenendured，andthevictimswereatpeace。Theirbodieswereneverfound。
Thenextmorning，thelightsmokewasseenstealingfromthecottagechimneyupthemountainside。Within，thefirewasyetsmoulderingonthehearth，andthechairsinacircleroundit，asiftheinhabitantshadbutgoneforthtoviewthedevastationoftheSlide，andwouldshortlyreturn，tothankHeavenfortheirmiraculousescape。Allhadleftseparatetokens，bywhichthosewhohadknownthefamilyweremadetoshedatearforeach。Whohasnotheardtheirname？（Thestoryhasbeentoldfarandwide，andWillforeverbealegendofthesemountains。）Poetshavesungtheirfate。
Therewerecircumstanceswhichledsometosupposethatastrangerhadbeenreceivedintothecottageonthisawfulnight，andhadsharedthecatastropheofallitsinmates。Othersdeniedthatthereweresufficientgroundsforsuchaconjecture。Woeforthehigh-souledyouth，withhisdreamofEarthlyImmortality！Hisnameandpersonutterlyunknown；hishistory，hiswayoflife，hisplans，amysterynevertobesolved，hisdeathandhisexistenceequallyadoubt！
Whosewastheagonyofthatdeathmoment？
THEGREATCARBUNCLE’
AMYSTERYOFTHEWHITEMOUNTAINS
（TheIndiantradition，onwhichthissomewhatextravaganttaleisfounded，isbothtoowildandtoobeautifultobeadequatelywroughtupinprose。Sullivan，inhisHistoryofMaine，writtensincetheRevolution，remarks，thateventhentheexistenceoftheGreatCarbunclewasnotentirelydiscredited。）
ATnightfall，onceintheoldentime，ontheruggedsideofoneoftheCrystalHills，apartyofadventurerswererefreshingthemselves，afteratoilsomeandfruitlessquestfortheGreatCarbuncle。Theyhadcomethither，notasfriendsnorpartnersintheenterprise，buteach，saveoneyouthfulpair，impelledbyhisownselfishandsolitarylongingforthiswondrousgem。Theirfeelingofbrotherhood，however，wasstrongenoughtoinducethemtocontributeamutualaidinbuildingarudehutofbranches，andkindlingagreatfireofshatteredpines，thathaddrifteddowntheheadlongcurrentoftheAmonoosuck，onthelowerbankofwhichtheyweretopassthenight。Therewasbutoneoftheirnumber，perhaps，whohadbecomesoestrangedfromnaturalsympathies，bytheabsorbingspellofthepursuit，astoacknowledgenosatisfactionatthesightofhumanfaces，intheremoteandsolitaryregionwhithertheyhadascended。Avastextentofwildernesslaybetweenthemandthenearestsettlement，whilescantamileabovetheirheadswasthatblackvergewherethehillsthrowofftheirshaggymantleofforesttrees，andeitherrobethemselvesincloudsortowernakedintothesky。TheroaroftheAmonoosuckwouldhavebeentooawfulforenduranceifonlyasolitarymanhadlistened，whilethemountainstreamtalkedwiththewind。
Theadventurers，therefore，exchangedhospitablegreetings，andwelcomedoneanothertothehut，whereeachmanwasthehost，andallweretheguestsofthewholecompany。Theyspreadtheirindividualsuppliesoffoodontheflatsurfaceofarock，andpartookofageneralrepast；atthecloseofwhich，asentimentofgoodfellowshipwasperceptibleamongtheparty，thoughrepressedbytheidea，thattherenewedsearchfortheGreatCarbunclemustmakethemstrangersagaininthemorning。Sevenmenandoneyoungwoman，theywarmedthemselvestogetheratthefire，whichextendeditsbrightwallalongthewholefrontoftheirwigwam。Astheyobservedthevariousandcontrastedfiguresthatmadeuptheassemblage，eachmanlookinglikeacaricatureofhimself，intheunsteadylightthatflickeredoverhim，theycamemutuallytotheconclusion，thatanoddersocietyhadnevermet，incityorwilderness，onmountainorplain。
Theeldestofthegroup，atall，lean，weather-beatenman，somesixtyyearsofage，wascladintheskinsofwildanimals，whosefashionofdresshedidwelltoimitate，sincethedeer，thewolf，andthebear，hadlongbeenhismostintimatecompanions。Hewasoneofthoseill-
fatedmortals，suchastheIndianstoldof，whom，intheirearlyyouth，theGreatCarbunclesmotewithapeculiarmadness，andbecamethepassionatedreamoftheirexistence。AllwhovisitedthatregionknewhimastheSeekerandbynoothername。Asnonecouldrememberwhenhefirsttookupthesearch，therewentafableinthevalleyoftheSaco，thatforhisinordinatelustaftertheGreatCarbuncle，hehadbeencondemnedtowanderamongthemountainstilltheendoftime，stillwiththesamefeverishhopesatsunrise-thesamedespairateve。
NearthismiserableSeekersatalittleelderlypersonage，wearingahigh-crownedhat，shapedsomewhatlikeacrucible。Hewasfrombeyondthesea，aDoctorCacaphodel，whohadwiltedanddriedhimselfintoamummybycontinuallystoopingovercharcoalfurnaces，andinhalingunwholesomefumesduringhisresearchesinchemistryandalchemy。Itwastoldofhim，whethertrulyornot，that，atthecommencementofhisstudies，hehaddrainedhisbodyofallitsrichestblood，andwastedit，withotherinestimableingredients，inanunsuccessfulexperiment——andhadneverbeenawellmansince。
AnotheroftheadventurerswasMasterbodPigsnort，aweightymerchantandselectorBoston，andanelderofthefamousMr。
Norton’schurch。HisenemieshadaridiculousstorythatMasterPigsnortwasaccustomedtospendawholehourafterprayertime，everymorningandevening，inwallowingnakedamonganimmensequantityofpine-treeshillings，whichweretheearliestsilvercoinageofMassachusetts。Thefourthwhomweshallnoticehadnonamethathiscompanionsknewof，andwaschieflydistinguishedbyasneerthatalwayscontortedhisthinvisage，andbyaprodigiouspairofspectacles，whichweresupposedtodeformanddiscolorthewholefaceofnature，tothisgentleman’sperception。Thefifthadventurerlikewiselackedaname，whichwasthegreaterpity，asheappearedtobeapoet。Hewasabright-eyedman，butwoefullypinedaway，whichwasnomorethannatural，if，assomepeopleaffirmed，hisordinarydietwasfog，morningmist，andasliceofthedensestcloudwithinhisreach，saucedwithmoonshine，wheneverhecouldgetit。Certainitis，thatthepoetrywhichflowedfromhimhadasmackofallthesedainties。Thesixthofthepartywasayoungmanofhaughtymien，andsatsomewhatapartfromtherest，wearinghisplumedhatloftilyamonghiselders，whilethefireglitteredontherichembroideryofhisdressandgleamedintenselyonthejewelledpommelofhissword。
ThiswastheLorddeVere，who，whenathome，wassaidtospendmuchofhistimeintheburialvaultofhisdeadprogenitors，rummagingtheirmouldycoffinsinsearchofalltheearthlyprideandvainglorythatwashiddenamongbonesanddust；sothat，besideshisownshare，hehadthecollectedhaughtinessofhiswholelineofancestry。
Lastly，therewasahandsomeyouthinrusticgarb，andbyhissideabloominglittleperson，inwhomadelicateshadeofmaidenreservewasjustmeltingintotherichglowofayoungwife’saffection。HernamewasHannah，andherhusband’sMatthew；twohomelynames，yetwellenoughadaptedtothesimplepair，whoseemedstrangelyoutofplaceamongthewhimsicalfraternitywhosewitshadbeensetagogbytheGreatCarbuncle。
Beneaththeshelterofonehut，inthebrightblazeofthesamefire，satthisvariedgroupofadventurers，allsointentuponasingleobject，that，ofwhateverelsetheybegantospeak，theirclosingwordsweresuretobeilluminatedwiththeGreatCarbuncle。Severalrelatedthecircumstancesthatbroughtthemthither。Onehadlistenedtoatraveller’staleofthismarvellousstoneinhisowndistantcountry，andhadimmediatelybeenseizedwithsuchathirstforbeholdingitascouldonly，bequenchedinitsintensestlustre。Another，solongagoaswhenthefamousCaptainSmithvisitedthesecoasts，hadseenitblazingfaratsea，andhadfeltnorestinalltheinterveningyearstillnowthathetookupthesearch。Athird，beingcampedonahuntingexpeditionfullfortymilessouthoftheWhiteMountains，awokeatmidnight，andbeheldtheGreatCarbunclegleaminglikeameteor，sothattheshadowsofthetreesfellbackwardfromit。Theyspokeoftheinnumerableattemptswhichhadbeenmadetoreachthespot，andofthesingularfatalitywhichhadhithertowithheldsuccessfromalladventurers，thoughitmightseemsoeasytofollowtoitssourcealightthatoverpoweredthemoon，andalmostmatchedthesun。Itwasobservablethateachsmiledscornfullyatthemadnessofeveryotherinanticipatingbetterfortunethanthepast，yetnourishedascarcelyhiddenconvictionthathewouldhimselfbethefavoredone。Asiftoallaytheirtoosanguinehopes，theyrecurredtotheIndiantraditionsthataspiritkeptwatchaboutthegem，andbewilderedthosewhosoughtiteitherbyremovingitfrompeaktopeakofthehigherhills，orbycallingupamistfromtheenchantedlakeoverwhichithung。
Butthesetalesweredeemedunworthyofcredit，allprofessingtobelievethatthesearchhadbeenbaffledbywantofsagacityorperseveranceintheadventurers，orsuchothercausesasmightnaturallyobstructthepassagetoanygivenpointamongtheintricaciesofforest，valley，andmountain。
Inapauseoftheconversationtheweareroftheprodigiousspectacleslookedroundupontheparty，makingeachindividual，inturn，theobjectofthesneerwhichinvariablydweltuponhiscountenance。
’So，fellow-pilgrims，’saidhe，’hereweare，sevenwisemen，andonefairdamsel-who，doubtless，isaswiseasanygraybeardofthecompany：hereweare，Isay，allboundonthesamegoodlyenterprise。
Methinks，now，itwerenotamissthateachofusdeclarewhatheproposestodowiththeGreatCarbuncle，providedhehavethegoodhaptoclutchit。Whatsaysourfriendinthebearskin？Howmeanyou，goodsir，toenjoytheprizewhichyouhavebeenseeking，theLordknowshowlong，amongtheCrystalHills？’
’Howenjoyit！’exclaimedtheagedSeeker，bitterly。’Ihopefornoenjoymentfromit；thatfollyhaspassedlongago！Ikeepupthesearchforthisaccursedstonebecausethevainambitionofmyyouthhasbecomeafateuponmeinoldage。Thepursuitaloneismystrength-theenergyofmysoul-thewarmthofmyblood-andthepithandmarrowofmybones！WereItoturnmybackuponitIshouldfalldowndeadonthehithersideoftheNotch，whichisthegatewayofthismountainregion。YetnottohavemywastedlifetimebackagainwouldIgiveupmyhopesoftheGreatCarbuncle！Havingfoundit，ishallbearittoacertaincavernthatIwotof，andthere，graspingitinmyarms，liedownanddie，andkeepitburiedwithmeforever。’
’Owretch，regardlessoftheinterestsofscience！’criedDoctorCacaphodel，withphilosophicindignation。’Thouartnotworthytobehold，evenfromafaroff，thelustreofthismostpreciousgemthateverwasconcoctedinthelaboratoryofNature。MineisthesolepurposeforwhichawisemanmaydesirethepossessionoftheGreatCarbuncle。
Immediatelyonobtainingit——forIhaveapresentiment，goodpeople，thattheprizeisreservedtocrownmyscientificreputation——IshallreturntoEurope，andemploymyremainingyearsinreducingittoitsfirstelements。AportionofthestonewillIgrindtoimpalpablepowder；otherpartsshallbedissolvedinacids，orwhateversolventswillactuponsoadmirableacomposition；andtheremainderIdesigntomeltinthecrucible，orsetonfirewiththeblow-pipe。BythesevariousmethodsIshallgainanaccurateanalysis，andfinallybestowtheresultofmylaborsupontheworldinafoliovolume。’
’Excellent！’quoththemanwiththespectacles。’Norneedyouhesitate，learnedsir，onaccountofthenecessarydestructionofthegem；sincetheperusalofyourfoliomayteacheverymother’ssonofustoconcoctaGreatCarbuncleofhisown。’
’But，verily，’saidMasterIchabodPigsnort，’formineownpartIobjecttothemakingofthesecounterfeits，asbeingcalculatedtoreducethemarketablevalueofthetruegem。Itellyefrankly，sirs，Ihaveaninterestinkeepinguptheprice。HerehaveIquittedmyregulartraffic，leavingmywarehouseinthecareofmyclerks，andputtingmycredittogreathazard，and，furthermore，haveputmyselfinperilofdeathorcaptivitybytheaccursedheathensavages——andallthiswithoutdaringtoasktheprayersofthecongregation，becausethequestfortheGreatCarbuncleisdeemedlittlebetterthanatrafficwiththeEvilOne。
NowthinkyethatIwouldhavedonethisgrievouswrongtomysoul，body，reputation，andestate，withoutareasonablechanceofprofit？’
’NotI，piousMasterPigsnort，’saidthemanwiththespectacles。’I
neverlaidsuchagreatfollytothycharge。’
’Truly，Ihopenot，’saidthemerchant。’Now，astouchingthisGreatCarbuncle，IamfreetoownthatIhaveneverhadaglimpseofit；butbeitonlythehundredthpartsobrightaspeopletell，itwillsurelyoutvaluetheGreatMogul’sbestdiamond，whichheholdsatanincalculablesum。Wherefore，IammindedtoputtheGreatCarbuncleonshipboard，andvoyagewithittoEngland，France，Spain，Italy，orintoHeathendom，ifProvidenceshouldsendmethither，and，inaword，disposeofthegemtothebestbidderamongthepotentatesoftheearth，thathemayplaceitamonghiscrownjewels。Ifanyofyehaveawiserplan，lethimexpoundit。’
’ThathaveI，thousordidman！’exclaimedthepoet。’Dostthoudesirenothingbrighterthangoldthatthouwouldsttransmuteallthisethereallustreintosuchdrossasthouwallowestinalready？Formyself，hidingthejewelundermycloak，Ishallhiemebacktomyatticchamber，inoneofthedarksomealleysofLondon。There，nightandday，willIgazeuponit；mysoulshalldrinkitsradiance；itshallbediffusedthroughoutmyintellectualpowers，andgleambrightlyineverylineofpoesythatIindite。Thus，longagesafterIamgone，thesplendoroftheGreatCarbunclewillblazearoundmyname？
’Wellsaid，MasterPoet！’criedheofthespectacles。’Hideitunderthycloak，sayestthou？Why，itwillgleamthroughtheholes，andmaketheelooklikeajack-o’-lantern！’
’Tothink！’ejaculatedtheLorddeVere，rathertohimselfthanhiscompanions，thebestofwhomheheldutterlyunworthyofhisintercourse-’tothinkthatafellowinatatteredcloakshouldtalkofconveyingtheGreatCarbuncletoagarretinGrubStreet！HavenotI
resolvedwithinmyselfthatthewholeearthcontainsnofitterornamentforthegreathallofmyancestralcastle？Thereshallitflameforages，makinganoondayofmidnight，glitteringonthesuitsofarmor，thebanners，andescutcheons，thathangaroundthewall，andkeepingbrightthememoryofheroes。WhereforehaveallotheradventurerssoughttheprizeinvainbutthatImightwinit，andmakeitasymbolofthegloriesofourloftyline？Andnever，onthediademoftheWhiteMountains，didtheGreatCarbuncleholdaplacehalfsohonoredasisreservedforitinthehalloftheDeVeres！’
’Itisanoblethought，’saidtheCynic，withanobsequioussneer。’Yet，mightIpresumetosayso，thegemwouldmakeararesepulchrallamp，andwoulddisplaythegloriesofyourlordship’sprogenitorsmoretrulyintheancestralvaultthaninthecastlehall。’
’Nay，forsooth，’observedMatthew，theyoungrustic，whosathandinhandwithhisbride，’thegentlemanhasbethoughthimselfofaprofitableuseforthisbrightstone。HannahhereandIareseekingitforalikepurpose。’
’How，fellow！’exclaimedhislordship，insurprise。’Whatcastlehallhastthoutohangitin？’
’Nocastle，’repliedMatthew，’butasneatacottageasanywithinsightoftheCrystalHills。Yemustknow，friends，thatHannahandI，beingweddedthelastweek，havetakenupthesearchoftheGreatCarbuncle，becauseweshallneeditslightinthelongwinterevenings；anditwillbesuchaprettythingtoshowtheneighborswhentheyvisitus。Itwillshinethroughthehousesothatwemaypickupapininanycorner，andwillsetallthewindowsaglowingasiftherewereagreatfireofpineknotsinthechimney。Andthenhowpleasant，whenweawakeinthenight，tobeabletoseeoneanother’sfaces！’
Therewasageneralsmileamongtheadventurersatthesimplicityoftheyoungcouple’sprojectinregardtothiswondrousandinvaluablestone，withwhichthegreatestmonarchonearthmighthavebeenproudtoadornhispalace。Especiallythemanwithspectacles，whohadsneeredatallthecompanyinturn，nowtwistedhisvisageintosuchanexpressionofill-naturedmirth，thatMatthewaskedhim，ratherpeevishly，whathehimselfmeanttodowiththeGreatCarbuncle。
’TheGreatCarbuncle！’answeredtheCynic，withineffablescorn。
’Why，youblockhead，thereisnosuchthinginrerumnatura。Ihavecomethreethousandmiles，andamresolvedtosetmyfootoneverypeakofthesemountains，andpokemyheadintoeverychasm，forthesolepurposeofdemonstratingtothesatisfactionofanymanonewhitlessanassthanthyselfthattheGreatCarbuncleisallahumbug！’
VainandfoolishwerethemotivesthathadbroughtmostoftheadventurerstotheCrystalHills；butnonesovain，sofoolish，andsoimpioustoo，asthatofthescofferwiththeprodigiousspectacles。Hewasoneofthosewretchedandevilmenwhoseyearningsaredownwardtothedarkness，insteadofheavenward，andwho，couldtheybutdistinguishthelightswhichGodhathkindledforus，wouldcountthemidnightgloomtheirchiefestglory。AstheCynicspoke，severalofthepartywerestartledbyagleamofredsplendor，thatshowedthehugeshapesofthesurroundingmountainsandtherock-
bestrewnbedoftheturbulentriverwithanilluminationunlikethatoftheirfireonthetrunksandblackboughsoftheforesttrees。Theylistenedfortherollofthunder，butheardnothing，andweregladthatthetempestcamenotnearthem。Thestars，thosedial-pointsofheaven，nowwarnedtheadventurerstoclosetheireyesontheblazinglogs，andopenthem，indreams，totheglowoftheGreatCarbuncle。
Theyoungmarriedcouplehadtakentheirlodgingsinthefarthestcornerofthewigwam，andwereseparatedfromtherestofthepartybyacurtainofcuriously-woventwigs，suchasmighthavehung，indeepfestoons，aroundthebridal-bowerofEve。Themodestlittlewifehadwroughtthispieceoftapestrywhiletheotherguestsweretalking。
Sheandherhusbandfellasleepwithhandstenderlyclasped，andawokefromvisionsofunearthlyradiancetomeetthemoreblessedlightofoneanother’seyes。Theyawokeatthesameinstant，andwithonehappysmilebeamingovertheirtwofaces，whichgrewbrighterwiththeirconsciousnessoftherealityoflifeandlove。Butnosoonerdidsherecollectwheretheywere，thanthebridepeepedthroughtheintersticesoftheleafycurtain，andsawthattheouterroomofthehutwasdeserted。
’Up，dearMatthew！’criedshe，inhaste。’Thestrangefolkareallgone！
Up，thisveryminute，orweshallloosetheGreatCarbuncle！’
Intruth，solittledidthesepooryoungpeopledeservethemightyprizewhichhadluredthemthither，thattheyhadsleptpeacefullyallnight，andtillthesummitsofthehillswereglitteringwithsunshine；
whiletheotheradventurershadtossedtheirlimbsinfeverishwakefulness，ordreamedofclimbingprecipices，andsetofftorealizetheirdreamswiththeearliestpeepofdawn。ButMatthewandHannah，aftertheircalmrest，wereaslightastwoyoungdeer，andmerelystoppedtosaytheirprayersandwashthemselvesinacoldpooloftheAmonoosuck，andthentotasteamorseloffood，eretheyturnedtheirfacestothemountainside。Itwasasweetemblemofconjugalaffection，astheytoiledupthedifficultascent，gatheringstrengthfromthemutualaidwhichtheyafforded。Afterseverallittleaccidents，suchasatornrobe，alostshoe，andtheentanglementofHannah’shairinabough，theyreachedtheuppervergeoftheforest，andwerenowtopursueamoreadventurouscourse。Theinnumerabletrunksandheavyfoliageofthetreeshadhithertoshutintheirthoughts，whichnowshrankaffrightedfromtheregionofwindandcloudandnakedrocksanddesolatesunshine，thatroseimmeasurablyabovethem。Theygazedbackattheobscurewildernesswhichtheyhadtraversed，andlongedtobeburiedagaininitsdepthsratherthantrustthemselvestosovastandvisibleasolitude。
’Shallwegoon？’saidMatthew，throwinghisarmroundHannah’swaist，bothtoprotectherandtocomforthisheartbydrawingherclosetoit。
Butthelittlebride，simpleasshewas，hadawoman’sloveofjewels，andcouldnotforegothehopeofpossessingtheverybrightestintheworld，inspiteoftheperilswithwhichitmustbewon。
’Letusclimbalittlehigher，’whisperedshe，yettremulously，assheturnedherfaceupwardtothelonelysky。
’Come，then，’saidMatthew，musteringhismanlycourageanddrawingheralongwithhim，forshebecametimidagainthemomentthathegrewbold。
Andupward，accordingly，wentthepilgrimsoftheGreatCarbuncle，nowtreadinguponthetopsandthickly-interwovenbranchesofdwarfpines，which，bythegrowthofcenturies，thoughmossywithage，hadbarelyreachedthreefeetinaltitude。Next，theycametomassesandfragmentsofnakedrockheapedconfusedlytogether，likeacairnrearedbygiantsinmemoryofagiantchief。Inthisbleakrealmofupperairnothingbreathed，nothinggrew；therewasnolifebutwhatwasconcentratedintheirtwohearts；theyhadclimbedsohighthatNatureherselfseemednolongertokeepthemcompany。Shelingeredbeneaththem，withinthevergeoftheforesttrees，andsentafarewellglanceafterherchildrenastheystrayedwhereherowngreenfootprintshadneverbeen。Butsoontheyweretobehiddenfromhereye。Denselyanddarkthemistsbegantogatherbelow，castingblackspotsofshadowonthevastlandscape，andsailingheavilytoonecentre，asiftheloftiestmountainpeakhadsummonedacouncilofitskindredclouds。Finally，thevaporsweldedthemselves，asitwere，intoamass，presentingtheappearanceofapavementoverwhichthewanderersmighthavetrodden，butwheretheywouldvainlyhavesoughtanavenuetotheblessedearthwhichtheyhadlost。Andtheloversyearnedtobeholdthatgreenearthagain，moreintensely，alas！
than，beneathacloudedsky，theyhadeverdesiredaglimpseofheaven。Theyevenfeltitarelieftotheirdesolationwhenthemists，creepinggraduallyupthemountain，concealeditslonelypeak，andthusannihilated，atleastforthem，thewholeregionofvisiblespace。
Buttheydrewcloselytogether，withafondandmelancholygaze，dreadinglesttheuniversalcloudshouldsnatchthemfromeachother’ssight。
Still，perhaps，theywouldhavebeenresolutetoclimbasfarandashigh，betweenearthandheaven，astheycouldfindfoothold，ifHannah’sstrengthhadnotbeguntofail，andwiththat，hercouragealso。Herbreathgrewshort。Sherefusedtoburdenherhusbandwithherweight，butoftentotteredagainsthisside，andrecoveredherselfeachtimebyafeeblereffort。Atlast，shesankdownononeoftherockystepsoftheacclivity。
’Wearelost，dearMatthew，’saidshe，mournfully。’Weshallneverfindourwaytotheearthagain。Andohhowhappywemighthavebeeninourcottage！’
’Dearheart！wwewillyetbehappythere，’answeredMatthew。’Look！
Inthisdirection，thesunshinepenetratesthedismalmist。Byitsaid，I
candirectourcoursetothepassageoftheNotch。Letusgoback，love，anddreamnomoreoftheGreatCarbuncle！’
’Thesuncannotbeyonder[saidHannah，withdespondence。’Bythistimeitmustbenoon。Iftherecouldeverbeanysunshinehere，itwouldcomefromaboveourheads。’
’Butlook！’repeatedMatthew，inasomewhatalteredtone。’Itisbrighteningeverymoment。Ifnotsunshine，whatcanitbe？’
Norcouldtheyoungbrideanylongerdenythataradiancewasbreakingthroughthemist，andchangingitsdimhuetoaduskyred，whichcontinuallygrewmorevivid，asifbrilliantparticleswereinterfusedwiththegloom。Now，also，thecloudbegantorollawayfromthemountain，while，asitheavilywithdrew，oneobjectafteranotherstartedoutofitsimpenetrableobscurityintosight，withpreciselytheeffectofanewcreation，beforetheindistinctnessoftheoldchaoshadbeencompletelyswallowedup。Astheprocesswenton，theysawthegleamingofwatercloseattheirfeet，andfoundthemselvesontheveryborderofamountainlake，deep，bright，clear，andcalmlybeautiful，spreadingfrombrimtobrimofabasinthathadbeenscoopedoutofthesolidrock。Arayofgloryflashedacrossitssurface。Thepilgrimslookedwhenceitshouldproceed，butclosedtheireyeswithathrillofawfuladmiration，toexcludethefervidsplendorthatglowedfromthebrowofacliffimpendingovertheenchantedlake。Forthesimplepairhadreachedthatlakeofmystery，andfoundthelong-soughtshrineoftheGreatCarbuncle！
Theythrewtheirarmsaroundeachother，andtrembledattheirownsuccess；for，asthelegendsofthiswondrousgemrushedthickupontheirmemory，theyfeltthemselvesmarkedoutbyfateandtheconsciousnesswasfearful。Often，fromchildhoodupward，theyhadseenitshininglikeadistantstar。Andnowthatstarwasthrowingitsintensestlustreontheirhearts。Theyseemedchangedtooneanother’seyes，intheredbrilliancythatflamedupontheircheeks，whileitlentthesamefiretothelake，therocks，andsky，andtothemistswhichhadrolledbackbeforeitspower。But，withtheirnextglance，theybeheldanobjectthatdrewtheirattentionevenfromthemightystone。
Atthebaseofthecliff，directlybeneaththeGreatCarbuncle，appearedthefigureofaman，withhisarmsextendedintheactofclimbing，andhisfaceturnedupward，asiftodrinkthefullgushofsplendor。Buthestirrednot，nomorethanifchangedtomarble。
’ItistheSeeker，’whisperedHannah，convulsivelygraspingherhusband’sarm。’Matthew，heisdead。’
’Thejoyofsuccesshaskilledhim，’repliedMatthew，tremblingviolently。’Or，perhaps，theverylightoftheGreatCarbunclewasdeath！’
’TheGreatCarbuncle，’criedapeevishvoicebehindthem。’TheGreatHumbug！Ifyouhavefoundit，pritheepointitouttome。
Theyturnedtheirheads，andtherewastheCynic，withhisprodigiousspectaclessetcarefullyonhisnose，staringnowatthelake，nowattherocks，nowatthedistantmassesofvapor，nowrightattheGreatCarbuncleitself，yetseeminglyasunconsciousofitslightasifallthescatteredcloudswerecondensedabouthisperson。Thoughitsradianceactuallythrewtheshadowoftheunbelieverathisownfeet，asheturnedhisbackuponthegloriousjewel，hewouldnotbeconvincedthattherewastheleastglimmerthere。
’WhereisyourGreatHumbug？’herepeated。’Ichallengeyoutomakemeseeit！’
’There，’saidMatthew，incensedatsuchperverseblindness，andturningtheCynicroundtowardstheilluminatedcliff。’Takeoffthoseabominablespectacles，andyoucannothelpseeingit！’
NowthesecoloredspectaclesprobablydarkenedtheCynic’ssight，inatleastasgreatadegreeasthesmokedglassesthroughwhichpeoplegazeataneclipse。Withresolutebravado，however，hesnatchedthemfromhisnose，andfixedaboldstarefullupontheruddyblazeoftheGreatCarbuncle。Butscarcelyhadheencounteredit，when，withadeep，shudderinggroan，hedroppedhishead，andpressedbothhandsacrosshismiserableeyes。Thenceforththerewas，inverytruth，nolightoftheGreatCarbuncle，noranyotherlightonearth，norlightofheavenitself，forthepoorCynic。SolongaccustomedtoViewallobjectsthroughamediumthatdeprivedthemofeveryglimpseofbrightness，asingleflashofsogloriousaphenomenon，strikinguponhisnakedvision，hadblindedhimforever。
’Matthew，’saidHannah，clingingtohim，’letusgohence！’
Matthewsawthatshewasfaint，andkneelingdown，supportedherinhisarms，whilehethrewsomeofthethrillinglycoldwateroftheenchantedlakeuponherfaceandbosom。Itrevivedher，butcouldnotrenovatehercourage。
’Yes，dearest！’criedMatthew，pressinghertremulousformtohisbreast-’wewillgohence，andreturntoourhumblecottage。Theblessedsunshineandthequietmoonlightshallcomethroughourwindow。Wewillkindlethecheerfulglowofourhearth，ateventide，andbehappyinitslight。Butneveragainwillwedesiremorelightthanalltheworldmaysharewithus。’
’No，’saidhisbride，’forhowcouldwelivebyday，orsleepbynight，inthisawfulblazeoftheGreatCarbuncle！’
Outofthehollowoftheirhands，theydrankeachadraughtfromthelake，whichpresentedthemitswatersuncontaminatedbyanearthlylip。Then，lendingtheirguidancetotheblindedCynic，whoutterednotaword，andevenstifledhisgroansinhisownmostwretchedheart，theybegantodescendthemountain。Yet，astheylefttheshore，tillthenuntrodden，ofthespirit’slake，theythrewafarewellglancetowardsthecliff，andbeheldthevaporsgatheringindensevolumes，throughwhichthegemburnedduskily。
AstouchingtheotherpilgrimsoftheGreatCarbuncle，thelegendgoesontotell，thattheworshipfulMasterIchabodPigsnortsoongaveupthequestasadesperatespeculation，andwiselyresolvedtobetakehimselfagaintohiswarehouse，nearthetowndock，inBoston。But，ashepassedthroughtheNotchofthemountains，awarpartyofIndianscapturedourunluckymerchant，andcarriedhimtoMontreal，thereholdinghiminbondage，till，bythepaymentofaheavyransom，hehadwoefullysubtractedfromhishoardofpine-treeshillings。Byhislongabsence，moreover，hisaffairshadbecomesodisorderedthat，fortherestofhislife，insteadofwallowinginsilver，hehadseldomasixpenceworthofcopper。DoctorCacaphodel，thealchemist，returnedtohislaboratorywithaprodigiousfragmentofgranite，whichhegroundtopowder，dissolvedinacids，meltedinthecrucible，andburnedwiththeblow-pipe，andpublishedtheresultofhisexperimentsinoneoftheheaviestfoliosoftheday。And，forallthesepurposes，thegemitselfcouldnothaveansweredbetterthanthegranite。Thepoet，byasomewhatsimilarmistake，madeprizeofagreatpieceofice，whichhefoundinasunlesschasmofthemountains，andsworethatitcorresponded，inallpoints，withhisideaoftheGreatCarbuncle。Thecriticssay，that，ifhispoetrylackedthesplendorofthegem，itretainedallthecoldnessoftheice。TheLorddeVerewentbacktohisancestralhall，wherehecontentedhimselfwithawax-lightedchandelier，andfilled，induecourseoftime，anothercoffinintheancestralvault。Asthefuneraltorchesgleamedwithinthatdarkreceptacle，therewasnoneedoftheGreatCarbuncletoshowthevanityofearthlypomp。
TheCynic，havingcastasidehisspectacles，wanderedabouttheworld，amiserableobject，andwaspunishedwithanagonizingdesireoflight，forthewilfulblindnessofhisformerlife。Thewholenightlong，hewouldlifthissplendor-blastedorbstothemoonandstars；heturnedhisfaceeastward，atsunrise，asdulyasaPersianidolater；hemadeapilgrimagetoRome，towitnessthemagnificentilluminationofSt。Peter’sChurch；andfinallyperishedinthegreatfireofLondon，intothemidstofwhichhehadthrusthimself，withthedesperateideaofcatchingonefeeblerayfromtheblazethatwaskindlingearthandheaven。
Matthewandhisbridespentmanypeacefulyears，andwerefondoftellingthelegendoftheGreatCarbuncle。Thetale，however，towardsthecloseoftheirlengthenedlives，didnotmeetwiththefullcredencethathadbeenaccordedtoitbythosewhorememberedtheancientlustreofthegem。Foritisaffirmedthat，fromthehourwhentwomortalshadshownthemselvessosimplywiseastorejectajewelwhichwouldhavedimmedallearthlythings，itssplendorwaned。
Whenotherpilgrimsreachedthecliff，theyfoundonlyanopaquestone，withparticlesofmicaglitteringonitssurface。Thereisalsoatraditionthat，astheyouthfulpairdeparted，thegemwasloosenedfromtheforeheadofthecliff，andfellintotheenchantedlake，andthat，atnoontide，theSeeker’sformmaystillbeseentobendoveritsquenchlessgleam。
Somefewbelievethatthisinestimablestoneisblazingasofold，andsaythattheyhavecaughtitsradiance，likeaflashofsummerlightning，fardownthevalleyoftheSaco。Andbeitownedthat，manyamilefromtheCrystalHills，Isawawondrouslightaroundtheirsummits，andwaslured，bythefaithofpoesy，tobethelatestpilgrimoftheGREATCARBUNCLE。
SKETCHESFROMMEMORY
THENOTCHOFTHEWHITEMOUNTAINS
ITwasnowthemiddleofSeptember。WehadcomesincesunrisefromBartlett，passingupthroughthevalleyoftheSaco，whichextendsbetweenmountainouswalls，sometimeswithasteepascent，butoftenaslevelasachurchaisle？AllthatdayandtwoprecedingoneswehadbeenloiteringtowardstheheartoftheWhiteMountains——thoseoldcrystalhills，whosemysteriousbrilliancyhadgleameduponourdistantwanderingsbeforewethoughtofvisitingthem。
Heightafterheighthadrisenandtoweredoneaboveanothertillthecloudsbegantohangbelowthepeaks。Downtheirslopesweretheredpathwaysoftheslides，thoseavalanchesofearth，stonesandtrees，whichdescendintothehollows，leavingvestigesoftheirtrackhardlytobeeffacedbythevegetationofages。Wehadmountainsbehindusandmountainsoneachside，andagroupofmightieronesahead。StillourroadwentupalongtheSaco，righttowardsthecentreofthatgroup，asiftoclimbabovethecloudsinitspassagetothefartherregion。
InoldtimesthesettlersusedtobeastoundedbytheinroadsofthenorthernIndianscomingdownuponthemfromthismountainrampartthroughsomedefileknownonlytothemselves。Itis，indeed，awondrouspath。Ademon，itmightbefancied，oroneoftheTitans，wastravellingupthevalley，elbowingtheheightscarelesslyasideashepassed，tillatlengthagreatmountaintookitsstanddirectlyacrosshisintendedroad。Hetarriesnotforsuchanobstacle，but，rendingitasunderathousandfeetfrompeaktobase，disclosesitstreasuresofhiddenminerals，itssunlesswaters，allthesecretsofthemountain’sinmostheart，withamightyfractureofruggedprecipicesoneachside。ThisistheNotchoftheWhiteHills。ShameonmethatIhaveattemptedtodescribeitbysomeananimage——feeling，asIdo，thatitisoneofthosesymbolicsceneswhichleadthemindtothesentiment，thoughnottotheconception，ofOmnipotence。
Wehadnowreachedanarrowpassage，whichshowedalmosttheappearanceofhavingbeencutbyhumanstrengthandartificeinthesolidrock。Therewasawallofgraniteoneachside，highandprecipitous，especiallyonourright，andsosmooththatafewevergreenscouldhardlyfindfootholdenoughtogrowthere。Thisistheentrance，or，inthedirectionweweregoing，theextremity，oftheromanticdefileoftheNotch。Beforeemergingfromit，therattlingofwheelsapproachedbehindus，andastage-coachrumbledoutofthemountain，withseatsontopandtrunksbehind，andasmartdriver，inadrabgreatcoat，touchingthewheelhorseswiththewhipstockandreiningintheleaders。Tomymindtherewasasortofpoetryinsuchanincident，hardlyinferiortowhatwouldhaveaccompaniedthepaintedarrayofanIndianwarpartyglidingforthfromthesamewildchasm。Allthepassengers，exceptaveryfatladyonthebackseat，hadalighted。Onewasamineralogist，ascientific，green-spectacledfigureinblack，bearingaheavyhammer，withwhichhedidgreatdamagetotheprecipices，andputthefragmentsinhispocket。Anotherwasawell-dressedyoungman，whocarriedanoperaglasssetingold，andseemedtobemakingaquotationfromsomeofByron’srhapsodiesonmountainscenery。Therewasalsoatrader，returningfromPortlandtotheupperpartofVermont；andafairyounggirl，withaveryfaintbloomlikeoneofthosepaleanddelicateflowerswhichsometimesoccuramongalpinecliffs。
Theydisappeared，andwefollowedthem，passingthroughadeeppineforest，whichforsomemilesallowedustoseenothingbutitsowndismalshade。Towardsnightfallwereachedalevelamphitheatre，surroundedbyagreatrampartofhills，whichshutoutthesunshinelongbeforeitlefttheexternalworld。Itwasherethatweobtainedourfirstview，exceptatadistance，oftheprincipalgroupofmountains。Theyaremajestic，andevenawful，whencontemplatedinapropermood，yet，bytheirbreadthofbaseandthelongridgeswhichsupportthem，givetheideaofimmensebulkratherthanoftoweringheight。MountWashington，indeed，lookedneartoheaven：hewaswhitewithsnowamiledownward，andhadcaughttheonlycloudthatwassailingthroughtheatmospheretoveilhishead。LetusforgettheothernamesofAmericanstatesmenthathavebeenstampeduponthesehills，butstillcalltheloftiestWashington。MountainsareEarth’sundecayingmonuments。Theymuststandwhilesheendures，andnevershouldbeconsecratedtothemeregreatmenoftheirownageandcountry，buttothemightyonesalone，whosegloryisuniversal，andwhomalltimewillrenderillustrious。
Theair，notoftensultryinthiselevatedregion，nearlytwothousandfeetabovethesea，wasnowsharpandcold，likethatofaclearNovembereveninginthelowlands。Bymorning，probably，therewouldbeafrost，ifnotasnowfall，onthegrassandrye，andanicysurfaceoverthestandingwater。Iwasgladtoperceiveaprospectofcomfortablequartersinahousewhichwewereapproaching，andofpleasantcompanyintheguestswhowereassembledatthedoor。
OUREVENINGPARTYAMONGTHEMOUNTAINSWestoodinfrontofagoodsubstantialfarmhouse，ofolddateinthatwildcountry。
AsignoverthedoordenotedittobetheWhiteMountainPostOffice——anestablishmentwhichdistributeslettersandnewspaperstoperhapsascoreofpersons，comprisingthepopulationoftwoorthreetownshipsamongthehills。Thebroadandweightyantlersofadeer，’astagoften，’werefastenedatthecornerofthehouse；afox’sbushytailwasnailedbeneaththem；andahugeblackpawlayontheground，newlyseveredandstillbleedingthetrophyofabearhunt。Amongseveralpersonscollectedaboutthedoorsteps，themostremarkablewasasturdymountaineer，ofsixfeettwoandcorrespondingbulk，withaheavysetoffeatures，suchasmightbemouldedonhisownblacksmith’sanvil，butyetindicativeofmotherwitandroughhumor。
Asweappeared，heupliftedatintrumpet，fourorfivefeetlong，andblewatremendousblast，eitherinhonorofourarrivalortoawakenanechofromtheoppositehill。
EthanCrawford’sguestswereofsuchamotleydescriptionastoformquiteapicturesquegroup，seldomseentogetherexceptatsomeplacelikethis，atoncethepleasurehouseoffashionabletouristsandthehomelyinnofcountrytravellers。AmongthecompanyatthedoorwerethemineralogistandtheownerofthegoldoperaglasswhomwehadencounteredintheNotch；twoGeorgiangentlemen，whohadchilledtheirsouthernbloodthatmorningonthetopofMountWashington；aphysicianandhiswifefromConway；atraderofBurlington，andanoldsquireoftheGreenMountains；andtwoyoungmarriedcouples，allthewayfromMassachusetts，onthematrimonialjaunt，Besidesthesestrangers，theruggedcountyofCoos，inwhichwewere，wasrepresentedbyhalfadozenwood-cutters，whohadslainabearintheforestandsmittenoffhispaw。
Ihadjoinedtheparty，andhadamoment’sleisuretoexaminethembeforetheechoofEthan’sblastreturnedfromthehill。Notone，butmanyechoeshadcaughtuptheharshandtunelesssound，untwisteditscomplicatedthreads，andfoundathousandaerialharmoniesinonesterntrumpettone。Itwasadistinctyetdistantanddreamlikesymphonyofmelodiousinstruments，asifanairybandhadbeenhiddenonthehillsideandmadefaintmusicatthesummons。Nosubsequenttrialproducedsoclear，delicate，andspiritualaconcertasthefirst。Afield-piecewasthendischargedfromthetopofaneighboringhill，andgavebirthtoonelongreverberation，whichranroundthecircleofmountainsinanunbrokenchainofsoundandrolledawaywithoutaseparateecho。Aftertheseexperiments，thecoldatmospheredroveusallintothehouse，withthekeenestappetitesforsupper。
Itdidone’sheartgoodtoseethegreatfiresthatwerekindledintheparlorandbar-room，especiallythelatter，wherethefireplacewasbuiltofroughstone，andmighthavecontainedthetrunkofanoldtreeforabacklog。Amankeepsacomfortablehearthwhenhisownforestisathisverydoor。Intheparlor，whentheeveningwasfairlysetin，weheldourhandsbeforeoureyestoshieldthemfromtheruddyglow，andbeganapleasantvarietyofconversation。Themineralogistandthephysiciantalkedabouttheinvigoratingqualitiesofthemountainair，anditsexcellenteffectonEthanCrawford’sfather，anoldmanofseventy-five，withtheunbrokenframeofmiddlelife。Thetwobridesandthedoctor’swifeheldawhispereddiscussion，which，bytheirfrequenttitteringsandablushortwo，seemedtohavereferencetothetrialsorenjoymentsofthematrimonialstate。Thebridegroomssattogetherinacorner，rigidlysilent，likeQuakerswhomthespiritmovethnot，beingstillintheoddpredicamentofbashfulnesstowardstheirownyoungwives。TheGreenMountainsquirechosemeforhiscompanion，anddescribedthedifficultieshehadmetwithhalfacenturyagointravellingfromtheConnecticutRiverthroughtheNotchtoConway，nowasingleday’sjourney，thoughithadcosthimeighteen。TheGeorgiansheldthealbumbetweenthem，andfavoreduswiththefewspecimensofitscontentswhichtheyconsideredridiculousenoughtobeworthhearing。Oneextractmetwithdeservedapplause。Itwasa’SonnettotheSnowonMountWashington，’andhadbeencontributedthatveryafternoon，bearingasignatureofgreatdistinctioninmagazinesandannals。Thelineswereelegantandfulloffancy，buttooremotefromfamiliarsentiment，andcoldastheirsubject，resemblingthosecuriousspecimensofcrystallizedvaporwhichIobservednextdayonthemountaintop。Thepoetwasunderstoodtobetheyounggentlemanofthegoldoperaglass，whoheardourlaudatoryremarkswiththecomposureofaveteran。
Suchwasourparty，andsuchtheirwaysofamusement。Butonawintereveninganothersetofguestsassembledatthehearthwherethesesummertravellerswerenowsitting。Ioncehaditincontemplationtospendamonthhereabouts，insleighingtime，forthesakeofstudyingtheyeomenofNewEngland，whothenelboweachotherthroughtheNotchbyhundreds，ontheirwaytoPortland。TherecouldbenobetterschoolforsuchaplacethanEthanCrawford’sinn。
LetthestudentgothitherinDecember，sitdownwiththeteamstersattheirmeals，sharetheireveningmerriment，andreposewiththematnightwheneverybedhasitsthreeoccupants，andparlor，barroom，andkitchenarestrewnwithslumberersaroundthefire。Thenlethimrisebeforedaylight，buttonhisgreatcoat，muffleuphisears，andstridewiththedepartingcaravanamileortwo，toseehowsturdilytheymakeheadagainsttheblast。Atreasureofcharacteristictraitswillrepayallinconveniences，evenshouldafrozennosebeofthenumber。
Theconversationofourpartysoonbecamemoreanimatedandsincere，andwerecountedsometraditionsoftheIndians，whobelievedthatthefatherandmotheroftheirraceweresavedfromadelugebyascendingthepeakofMountWashington。Thechildrenofthatpairhavebeenoverwhelmed，andfoundnosuchrefuge。Inthemythologyofthesavage，thesemountainswereafterwardsconsideredsacredandinaccessible，fullofunearthlywonders，illuminatedatloftyheightsbytheblazeofpreciousstones，andinhabitedbydeities，whosometimesshroudedthemselvesinthesnowstormandcamedownonthelowerworld。Therearefewlegendsmorepoeticalthanthatofthe’GreatCarbuncle’oftheWhiteMountains。ThebeliefwascommunicatedtotheEnglishsettlers，andishardlyyetextinct，thatagem，ofsuchimmensesizeastobeseenshiningmilesaway，hangsfromarockoveraclear，deeplake，highupamongthehills。Theywhohadoncebehelditssplendorwereinthralledwithanunutterableyearningtopossessit。Butaspiritguardedthatinestimablejewel，andbewilderedtheadventurerwithadarkmistfromtheenchantedlake。
Thuslifewaswornawayinthevainsearchforanunearthlytreasure，tillatlengththedeludedonewentupthemountain，stillsanguineasinyouth，butreturnednomore。OnthisthememethinksIcouldframeatalewithadeepmoral。
Theheartsofthepalefaceswouldnotthrilltothesesuperstitionsoftheredmen，thoughwespokeoftheminthecentreofthehauntedregion。Thehabitsandsentimentsofthatdepartedpeopleweretoodistinctfromthoseoftheirsuccessorstofindmuchrealsympathy。IthasoftenbeenamatterofregrettomethatIwasshutoutfromthemostpeculiarfieldofAmericanfictionbyaninabilitytoseeanyromance，orpoetry，orgrandeur，orbeautyintheIndiancharacter，atleasttillsuchtraitswerepointedoutbyothers。IdoabhoranIndianstory。YetnowritercanbemoresecureofapermanentplaceinourliteraturethanthebiographeroftheIndianchiefs。Hissubject，asreferringtotribeswhichhavemostlyvanishedfromtheearth，giveshimarighttobeplacedonaclassicshelf，apartfromthemeritswhichwillsustainhimthere。
Imadeinquirieswhether，inhisresearchesabouttheseparts，ourmineralogisthadfoundthethree’SilverHills’whichanIndiansachemsoldtoanEnglishmannearlytwohundredyearsago，andthetreasureofwhichtheposterityofthepurchaserhavebeenlookingforeversince。ButthemanofsciencehadransackedeveryhillalongtheSaco，andknewnothingoftheseprodigiouspilesofwealth。Bythistime，asusualwithmenontheeveofgreatadventure，wehadprolongedoursessiondeepintothenight，consideringhowearlyweweretosetoutonoursixmiles’ridetothefootofMountWashington。Therewasnowageneralbreakingup。Iscrutinizedthefacesofthetwobridegrooms，andsawbutlittleprobabilityoftheirleavingthebosomofearthlybliss，inthefirstweekofthehoneymoonandatthefrostyhourofthree，toclimbabovetheclouds；norwhenI
felthowsharpthewindwasasitrushedthroughabrokenpaneandeddiedbetweenthechinksofmyunplasteredchamber，didI
anticipatemuchalacrityonmyownpart，thoughweweretoseekforthe’GreatCarbuncle。’