struck with awe at the evident symmetry
and beauty that had once reigned within, for though time had
accumulated mould and moss over its walls, and covered its floors to a
depth of several inches with earth made up of dust and leaves that had
penetrated its open doors and windows; yet the walls themselves were
there, heavy blocks of granite in an iron-like cement that bound them
in place, perchance for a thousand years that have gone, and bid fair
to withstand the ravages of time for ages to come.

"Here," said the chief, "is a big house already built, which we can
winter in. It will save us the trouble of building, and be more secure
than anything we could make."

"Well," said the trapper, "I guess, by the trouble they took to put it
up here, that it was a palace or a temple. In either case, they had it
built a little tasty, and we will acknowledge the merit due them by
preferring it to any other."

"There is the forest full of fruits and nuts," said the chief, waving
his hand towards it, "and if we winter here, we must gather them in
before the rains come. The leaves are thickening on the ground, and
when another moon is spent, the rains will fall and the winds come down
from the north."

"You are right, chief. It is our place to make due preparation against
hunger and cold, for all the year roots, berries, and game cannot be
then as easily obtained as now. The sun is at the meridian, and they
will be alarmed at the cabin, if we do not return soon. But, we will be
here in the morning again, and clear out some of this rubbish, so that
we can take up our abode here as soon as Sidney can be moved, and then
we will devote our time in preparing for every contingency in our
power."

Following the avenue out until it was obstructed by rubbish, they
turned in the direction they knew their cabin lay. After proceeding
twenty rods through the lovely grove, with fruit trees blending with
the growth of the forest, they came to a small stone structure not more
than twenty feet square, nor eight high, in perfect preservation. It
had no floor, but in the centre bubbled up a jet of transparent water,
while all around its edges, and even on the side of the wall, as well
as over head it was encrusted with a white substance as though spray
had congealed over it.

"What a new wonder!" cried the trapper, "really I don't think they will
ever cease, for this excels them all. I would like to know if that is
really water."

"Perhaps