The man nodded. "I hope you're not disappointed in them and I hope
you are going to see and to own a great many finer ones.

"We've never seen noth--anything, nor been anywhere, yet." It
was Mrs. Briskow speaking. "But we're goin'. We're goin' lots of
places and we're goin' to see everything wuth seein', so Pa says.
Anyhow, the children is. First off, Pa's goin' to take us to the
mountains." The mother faced the visitor at this announcement and
for a moment she appeared to be gazing at a vision, for her
wrinkled countenance was glorified. "You've seen 'em, haven't you,
mister?"

"Mountains? A great many."

Allegheny broke in: "I dunno's these di'mon's is just what _I_
expected 'em to be. They are and--they ain't. I'm kind of
disapp'inted."

Gray smiled. "That is true of most things that we anticipate or
aspire to. It's the tragedy of accomplishment--to find that our
rewards are never quite up to our expectations."

"Do they cost much?"

"Oh, decidedly! The prices are all plainly marked. Please look
them over."

Ma Briskow did as urged, but the shock was paralyzing; delight,
admiration, expectancy, gave place to horrified amazement at the