last train through the tunnel started to convey Nell and her panions to the surface of the earth。 Twenty minutes later they alighted on the platform where the branch line to New Aberfoyle joins the railway from Dumbarton to Stirling。
The night was already dark。 From the horizon to the zenith； light vapory clouds hurried through the upper air； driven by a refreshing northwesterly breeze。 The day had been lovely； the night promised to be so likewise。
On reaching Stirling； Nell and her friends； quitting the train； left the station immediately。 Just before them； between high trees； they could see a road which led to the banks of the river Forth。
The first physical impression on the girl was the purity of the air inhaled eagerly by her lungs。
〃Breathe it freely； Nell；〃 said James Starr； 〃it is fragrant with all the scents of the open country。〃
〃What is all that smoke passing over our heads？〃 inquired Nell。
〃Those are clouds；〃 answered Harry； 〃blown along by the westerly wind。〃
〃Ah！〃 said Nell； 〃how I should like to feel myself carried along in that silent whirl！ And what are those shining sparks which glance here and there between rents in the clouds？〃
〃Those are the stars I have told you about； Nell。 So many suns they are； so many centers of worlds like our own； most likely。〃
The constellations became more clearly visible as the wind cleared the clouds from the deep blue of the firmament。 Nell gazed upon the myr