snow. Probably we shall find it drifted in lots of places. Then we shall want some time at the top of the mountain, you know. Besides, we're going to stop and cook chops, and that will delay us. So don't worry if we don't turn up much before dinner time." "You're sure you know the trail, Bob?" his mother called as the trampers went down the steps. "Why, Mother dear, what a question! Know the trail? Haven't I climbed that mountain so many times that I could go up it backwards and with my eyes shut?" "I guess that's true, Mother," agreed Mr. Carlton reassuringly. "Good-bye, then," said Bob's mother. "Have a fine day and don't freeze your noses." The boys waved, and with a scuff of their snow-shoes were off. The climb was indeed a stiff one. At first the trail led through low, flat woods, fragrant with hemlock and balsam; here it was sheltered and warm. But soon the real ascent began. "We follow the bed of this brook almost to the top," explained Bob who was leading the way. "We come into it here, you see. In summer it is a narrow path clearly marked by rough stones; you wouldn't believe how different it looks now all covered with snow. It doesn't seem like the same place. I didn't realize what a difference the snow would make in everything. But, anyway, we can't miss the way with these great boulders along the sides of the path; and even if we did the trees are blazed." They pushed on for some time. Then the strap of Van's snow-shoe broke. "Oh, thunder! Got a knife, Bob?" he called. "This darn thing's busted. I'll have to haul to for repairs." Bob stopped impatiently. "Why didn't you look at it before you started?" he said. "Never thought of it, Old Preparedness," was the good-natured reply. "No matter, I have some string and I think I can fix it." It took some time, however, to make the fastening to the shoe and moccasin secure, and in the meantime the sun went behind a cloud. "I guess Father wasn't a very good weather prophet," remarked Bob, glancing at the sky. "It seems to be clouding up."