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Show MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS. 131 symbol that above all and over all stretched its arms in mute appeal to man's reverence for the Creator. One had the sense of standing before the visible throne of God waiting for the words, " depart from me," or, " ye are the chosen of my Father." I sat down to contemplate* and thoroughly enjoy the stupendous scenery, when the party gathered around and listened to THE LEGEND OF THE MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS. "Many years ago, when the Franciscan Friars were earnestly engaged in the grand work of converting the inhabitants of Mexico to the worship of the true God, a monk in Spain yielded to the tempter and committed an unpardonable crime. Day and night, with contrite heart, he sought in prayer expiation for his sin. It was revealed to him in a vision that when he saw a cross suspended in the air it would be a token of his forgiveness. Then he became filled with a feeling of unrest, and longed to travel. He joined an expedition to Mexico, and wandered over the country in search of the sacred symbol, until his hair was frosted and his limbs infirm with age. Finding no rest for his soul he joined an exploring party coming North. "By winding ways they traveled; from mountain summits, where the sunshine lingers, to valleys barred with light and shadows, through deep defiles, robed in verdure, girdled with flowers and crowned with snow, onward they went. " Arriving one day on the summit of a lofty mountain, they pitched their tents. It was not the hour to camp, but their further progress was prevented by a dense fog, |