dome of Pleasant was free from clouds. The northern sky was blue. Yet the sun was hazy, and south-*eastward there seemed to be a haze over everything. The wind was cold. Mr. Rogers shook his head, but said nothing.
Sitting down to rest, and ease shoulders from the pull of the pack straps, he pulled the little green Appalachian guide-book out of his pocket, and read the "Caution" therein about the Crawford Path:
"This path is one of the most dangerous in the
White Mountains, on it no less than four persons
having lost their lives. For a long five miles it is
above tree line and exposed to the full force of all
storms and there is but one side-trail leading to the
shelter of the woods. The following precautions
are suggested:—Persons unfamiliar with the range
should not ascend the Crawford Path except in fine
weather and beginners should not attempt it alone.
If trouble arises south of Pleasant go back over
Clinton. If on Pleasant go down the Mount Pleasant
Path. If between Pleasant and Franklin remember
that by returning via the south loop there is
protection from north and northwest winds in the
lee of the mountain. Between Franklin and the cone
of Washington the Club's Refuge Hut should be
used. This is the most dangerous part of the path.
Never, under any circumstances, attempt the cone if
a storm has caused serious trouble before its base is
reached. Should the path be lost in cloudy
weather go north, descending into the woods and
following water. On the south nearly all the slopes
are much more precipitous and the distance to civilization
is much greater."
