CHAPTER IV.

AN AFTERNOON’S EXCURSION.

A walk—The Prestons—A strawberry 56 party—The swamp—Ella’s timidity—Snakes—Foolish prejudices—Poison ivy—The woodbine—Difference between them—How Whistler fastened it in his mind—The law of the association of ideas—A poison vine found—Temerity and timidity—Susceptibility to poison—Poison dogwood—Its effects—Description of the plant—Poisonous plants do not bear beautiful flowers—The strawberry patch—Poor picking—The boys go further—Woods and hills—Bald Peak—A fine view—How far one can see in Boston—The other side of the hills—The report of a gun—A solitary place—A sportsman—Scaring the game—A rough salutation—An ill-favored fellow—A few questions—The man’s lameness—His account of himself—A favor asked—A difficulty—A secret divulged—Clinton’s promise—A threat—They separate—What Clinton knew about the man—Driving the cows home,