Part 7 (1/2)
The start was reat mountains and the waters beneath it bathed in wondrous tints such as one finds nowhere outside of these far northern regions The boys were light-hearted, happy, and were looking forward eagerly to experiences in the wilds of Alaska that should wholly satisfy their longings for activity and adventure
CHAPTER V
TRAVELING A DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN Pass
To the right the well-known Chilkoot Pass extended up into the mountain fastness, the pass that had been traveled by sodistance to the northeast intersects the White Horse Pass It is a rugged trail, but an easier one to travel than the one chosen by the Pony Rider Boys for the first stage of their journeyings
The object of Professor Zepplin in choosing the route to the northas to take the boys into territory that had been little explored, and to give theion of the United States
”By the way,” called Rector after they had gotten well started and had dropped the village behind theers?” asked Butler
”They one on with the shi+p,” said Walter
”Yes, they reed Stacy
”No, they didn't,” answered Tad ”I sason in town yesterday Funny thing, but he seemed not to see me In fact he tried to avoid me”
”Did you let him?” questioned Chunky
”Yes Why should I wish to force myself on anyone who doesn't want to see me? Not I They are queer fellows It isn't because they don't like us, but rather because they are suspicious They are afraid so Wouldn't it be queer if ere to buer of that,” spoke up the Professor ”I heard Mr Darwood say they were going out the Chilkoot Pass for a short distance, froht branch off”
Tad chuckled softly
”Why do you laugh?” de of soed Stacy
”I rather think I'll keep it to”Let Stacy tell you one of his funny stories”
”All right, I'll tell you one,” agreed Chunky readily
”Leave the telling until you get to cah trail, and you need to give it your undivided attention”
”The Professor is right We would do well to watch out where we are going,” agreed Tad
”Yes, I dread to think ould happen to our packs were one of thosein a circle at the end of a sweep down in awas narrow In fact, it was ain and out with many a sharp turn, and there was barely roole file
Above them towered the mountains for thousands of feet Below the deeper all the tiradual ascent