I therefore seriously question, if this must not have been a deception of my imagination.

The Great Eyrie a refuge for unknown monsters of the sky! Would they not have been seen long since, soaring above their immense nest of stone?
In short, there is in all this a mystery which has not yet been solved." "But we will solve it, Mr.Smith, if you will give me your aid." "Surely, Mr.Strock; tomorrow we will start our campaign." "Tomorrow." And on that word the mayor and I separated.

I went to a hotel, and established myself for a stay which might be indefinitely prolonged.

Then having dined, and written to Mr.Ward, I saw Mr.
Smith again in the afternoon, and arranged to leave Morganton with him at daybreak.
Our first purpose was to undertake the ascent of the mountain, with the aid of two experienced guides.

These men had ascended Mt.
Mitchell and others of the highest peaks of the Blueridge.