A most charming ride is that down the line of the Saco river to North
Conway, whether by rail or stage. The beauty and boldness of the scenery
on either side alternately enchants and awes.

[Illustration: VIEW FROM BRIDGE IN BERLIN.]

"It reminds me of Switzerland," said Fritz, who had travelled on the
continent, "only there are more rocks and ledges visible. The lower Alps
are clothed in green and the upper ones in perennial snow. The Simplon
Pass is not nearly so rugged as the Notch. Only in the West among the
Rockies is there anything to compare with this. But below, a few miles,
we have a view as pleasant as Christian and Hopeful saw from the
Delectable Mountains."

"And do we have to pass Doubting castle, as they did?" asked Molly. "I
don't think I should care for their experience with giants and
giantesses."

[Illustration: MOUNT CARTER, FROM GORHAM.]

"Here are castles and strongholds, but the giants, if there are any, are
as helpless as Giant Pope was, who could only sit in the sun and gnaw
his finger nails."

The towering cliffs on either side smile like the walls of a prison. We
felt a relief when once they were passed, and we found ourselves in the
broader valley below, stretching wide and green and beautiful in the
summer sunshine--the famous meadows of the Saco. All of the savage
aspects disappeared or were seen only at a distance. Glimpses were
caught now and then of charming vistas, with the waters of the Saco