Tell away , Jo , and do n't be afraid . '' `` The idea of being afraid of you ! Well , you see we used to play Pilgrim 's Progress , and we have been going on with it in earnest , all winter and summer . '' `` Yes , I know , '' said Laurie , nodding wisely . `` Who told you ? '' demanded Jo . `` Spirits . '' `` No , I did . I wanted to amuse him one night when you were all away , and he was rather dismal . He did like it , so do n't scold , Jo , '' said Beth meekly . `` You ca n't keep a secret . Never mind , it saves trouble now . '' `` Go on , please , '' said Laurie , as Jo became absorbed in her work , looking a trifle displeased . `` Oh , did n't she tell you about this new plan of ours ? Well , we have tried not to waste our holiday , but each has had a task and worked at it with a will . The vacation is nearly over , the stints are all done , and we are ever so glad that we did n't dawdle . '' `` Yes , I should think so , '' and Laurie thought regretfully of his own idle days . `` Mother likes to have us out-of-doors as much as possible , so we bring our work here and have nice times . For the fun of it we bring our things in these bags , wear the old hats , use poles to climb the hill , and play pilgrims , as we used to do years ago . We call this hill the Delectable Mountain , for we can look far away and see the country where we hope to live some time . ''
XXXXX pointed , and Laurie sat up to examine , for through an opening in the wood one could look cross the wide , blue river , the meadows on the other side , far over the outskirts of the great city , to the green hills that rose to meet the sky .
Beth Jo Laurie Mother Mountain Progress days idea night stints