Alice Muriel Williamson

“ When the sun has got up a certain height, a great round spot, red as blood, falls on the altar-stone. It's a thrilling sight if the sky is not too cloudy. But I'm sorry to say it's only been perfect twice in a dozen years. Well, last year two young Americans had made a journey all the way from New York just on purpose to see the sun rise over Stonehenge on June 21. ”

“ They come from all countries, but the most of them are English or Americans. Since Sir Edmund Antrobus (who owns this estate, and Stonehenge with it) appointed me guardian twenty-five years ago, not a day have I missed, except a few of the very coldest in winter, when I knew that not a soul would venture near the place. I tell you, we do get some fierce weather here on Salisbury Plain, not only in winter, but early spring and late autumn! The wind blows like a great spirit that's gone mad. ”

“ Speaking of Americans reminds me of something else. You know, I dare say, that June 21 is our grand day here. Hundreds of people come, even great scientists and other folks who 've made a noise in the world. They stay the night before in Salisbury, and start for Stonehenge at about one o'clock or so. Then they get here in time to see as fine a sight as can be seen the world over. On just that one day of the year the sun can be observed rising directly over a stone called the Friar's Heel, which it is thought was placed there for that purpose when Stonehenge was made. ”