As they clung by the slippery rocks which overhung the lake, its mists dissolved into a heavy shower, and, by degrees clearing away, discovered the shining heads of Ben Lomond and Ben Chochan.
The party soon entered a precipitous labyrinth of craigs; and, passing onward, gradually descended amid pouring torrents, and gaping chasms overlaced with branching trees, till the augmented roar of waters intimated to Murray, they drew near the great fall of Glenfinlass.

The river, though rushing on its course with the noise of thunder, was scarcely discerned through the thick forest which groaned over its waves.

Here towered a host of stately pines; and there the lofty beeches, birches, and mountain-oak, bending over the flood, interwove their giant arms; forming an arch so impenetrable, that while the sun brightened the tops of the mountains, all beneath lay in deepest midnight.
The awful entrance to this sublime valley struck the whole party with a feeling that made them pause.

It seemed as it to these sacred solitudes, hidden in the very bosom of Scotland, no hostile foot dared intrude.

Murray looked at Ker.