56 LUCY AMONG THE MOUNTAINS,

goon. But while she was only arguing against
Lucy’s supposed fears for her mother, she was
doing no good at all; for this was not the true
reason. When, therefore, we attempt to argue
against people’s objections to any thing which we
_propose, it is very necessary first to be sure that
the objections which they offer are real objections,
not merely ostensible ones.

Presently Comfort proposed to Lucy that she
should go up a little farther, and she would come
to a place where they could see the house.

“¢ How much farther is it?” asked Lucy.

“Only up to the top of this rock,” said Com-
fort ; “come, I'll help you.”

So saying, Comfort came down to where Lucy
was standing, and held out her hand to her,
Lucy was still somewhat reluctant to go; but
Comfort told her that they could see the house
and the yard, and very likely they could see the
people walking about there ; and so Lucy, on the
whole, concluded to go. Comfort helped her up
from one step to another over the ragged stones,
and presently they reached the top.

Then they went through some bushes a little
way, and came out, a moment afterwards, upon a
sort of shelf of rock, where they had a fine
view.