Mt. Moosilauke (1895) - A Fish Story
". . . Not very long ago Mr. Oldman and Mr. Youngman, of a certain New England City, after some thought and discussion on the subject, realized they ought to re-visit that delightful, home-like summer resort, Merrill's Mountain House, which is the last human habitation, before entering the five mile carriage road that leads to the summit of Moosilauke, in the town of Warren, N.H.
. . . they went on, still multiplying the number of fish and the weight thereof in their baskets.Finally Youngman was admonished that it was of no use; they must stop and turn back or they would surely be overtaken by the darkness, and the result might be a night in "the howling wilderness." But here again, "old men for council, young men for war."
But the stern remark served to check the onward and upward progress of Youngman, who concluded to face about, but wanted to fish downstream, to the place where they began. This he undertook to do, but suddenly realized that it was becoming dark - that "the shades of night were falling fast."
Both gentlemen were now anxious to get out on to more familiar ground, and they exerted themselves accordingly; but there was not much opportunity for speed. Such a rocky, rough way - obstructed by tangled brush and fallen trees and dead limbs - few people have ever travelled, probably; and to make the way more dismal and the prospect more discouraging, it was now really dark and directly the darkness would be dense and impenetrable. They were certainly "in for it," which meant they knew not what.
They could not see where to step, and often tripped and floundered about, to the injury of clothing and the detriment of their shins and other sensitive parts of the "human form divine." It had become a very trying experience and serious annoyance. But there was no help for it. The brook could not be followed for it was not to be seen, nor was anything discernible by which they could determine the right course. They were also getting thoroughly fatigued with the unusual exercise and excitement, and every minute their situation was growing more critical.
At length they came upon what they made out to be a huge overhanging rock. "There," exclaimed Oldman, having satisfied himself that it was likely to prove a sheltering rock, "I shall go no further; I'm used up. It is useless to try to go on. . . ."
From Marjorie S. Davis.
