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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Glen of the High North, by H. A. Cody
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Glen of the High North
+
+
+Author: H. A. Cody
+
+
+
+Release Date: September 15, 2005  [eBook #16699]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLEN OF THE HIGH NORTH***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+GLEN OF THE HIGH NORTH
+
+by
+
+H. A. CODY
+
+Author of "The Frontiersman," "The Lost Patrol,"
+"The Chief of the Ranges," "The Touch of Abner," etc.
+
+McClelland and Stewart
+Publishers : : : Toronto
+George H. Doran Company
+
+1920
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+To
+
+ALL TRUE MEN AND WOMEN
+
+Of the Outer Trails of the Yukon,
+
+Where for Years the Author Lived and Travelled,
+
+This Book is Affectionately Dedicated.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+      I  ONE FLEETING VISION
+     II  WHEN THE FOG-BANK LIFTED
+    III  A BIG BLAZIN' LAUGH
+     IV  BEYOND THE GREAT WHITE PASS
+      V  COMRADES OP THE TRAIL
+     VI  A SHOT THAT TOLD
+    VII  BOTTLES WILL DO
+   VIII  LOVE VERSUS GOLD
+     IX  THE OUTER TRAIL
+      X  ADRIFT IN THE WILDERNESS
+     XI  INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN
+    XII  THE GIRL OF GLEN WEST
+   XIII  WHEN THE STORM BURST
+    XIV  ANOTHER PRISONER
+     XV  JIM WESTON
+    XVI  THE ORDEAL
+   XVII  MAN TO MAN
+  XVIII  THE PREPARED ROOM
+    XIX  THE TURN OF EVENTS
+     XX  A SHOT FROM THE GOLDEN CREST
+    XXI  THE PLOTTERS
+   XXII  THE CABIN IN THE HILLS
+  XXIII  AT THE REVOLVER'S POINT
+   XXIV  WHEN THE RIFLES CRACKED
+    XXV  BY THE INLAND LAKE
+   XXVI  THROUGH THE STORM
+  XXVII  IN THE TOILS
+ XXVIII  HELP FROM THE HILLS
+   XXIX  THE OLD TRUE STORY
+    XXX  THE UNMASKING
+   XXXI  OUTWARD BOUND
+
+
+
+
+  "Something lost beyond the Ranges,
+    Lost; and calling to you.  Go."
+
+  KIPLING
+
+
+
+  "She had grown, in her unstained seclusion,
+  bright and pure as a first opening lilac,
+  when it spreads its clear leaves to the
+  sweetest dawn of May."
+
+  PERCIVAL
+
+
+
+
+GLEN OF THE HIGH NORTH
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+ONE FLEETING VISION
+
+It all happened in less than two minutes, and yet in that brief space
+of time his entire outlook upon life was changed.  He saw her across
+the street standing upon the edge of the sidewalk facing the throng of
+teams and motors that were surging by.  She had evidently attempted to
+cross, but had hurriedly retreated owing to the tremendous crush of
+traffic.  The gleam of the large electric light nearby brought into
+clear relief a face of more than ordinary charm and beauty.  But that
+which appealed so strongly to the young man was the mingled expression
+of surprise, fear and defiance depicted upon her countenance.  It
+strangely affected him, and he was on the point of springing forward to
+offer his assistance when she suddenly disappeared, swallowed up in the
+great tide of humanity.
+
+For a few minutes the young man stood perfectly still, gazing intently
+upon the spot where the girl had been standing, hoping to see her
+reappear.  He could not account for the feeling that had swept upon him
+at the sight of that face.  It was but one of the thousands he daily
+beheld, yet it alone stirred him to his inmost depths.  A few minutes
+before he had been walking along the street without any definite aim in
+life, listless and almost cynical.  But now a desire possessed him to
+be up and doing, to follow after the fair vision which had so
+unexpectedly appeared.  Who could she be, and where was she going?
+Should he ever see her again, and if he did would he have the slightest
+chance of meeting and talking with her?
+
+These thoughts occupied his mind as he continued on his way.  He walked
+erect now, with shoulders thrown back, and with a more buoyant step
+than he had taken in many a day.  His blood tingled and his eyes glowed
+with a new-found light.  He felt much of the old thrill that had
+animated him at the beginning of the Great War, and had sent him
+overseas to take his part in the titanic struggle.  An overmastering
+urge had then swept upon him, compelling him to abandon all on behalf
+of the mighty cause.  It was his nature, and the leopard could no more
+change its spots than could Tom Reynolds overcome the influence of a
+gripping desire.  Ever since childhood thought and action had always
+been welded in the strong clear heat of an overwhelming purpose.  It
+had caused him considerable trouble, but at the same time it had
+carried him through many a difficult undertaking that had daunted other
+men.  It was only the afterwards that affected him, the depression,
+when the objective had been attained.  So for months after the war
+ended his life had seemed of no avail, and he found it impossible to
+settle comfortably back into the grooves of civilian life in a
+bustling, thriving city.  Everything seemed tame and insignificant
+after what he had experienced overseas.  Time instead of lessening had
+only increased this feeling, until Reynolds believed that he could no
+longer endure the prosaic life of the city.  Such was the state of his
+mind when he beheld the face across the street, which in some
+mysterious manner gave him a sudden impulse and a new outlook upon the
+world.  After a short quick walk, he turned into a side street and
+stopped at length before a building from which extended a large
+electric sign, bearing the words _Telegram_ and _Evening News_.  He
+entered, and at once made his way through several rooms until he
+reached the editorial office at the back of the building.  The door was
+open, and seated at the desk was an elderly man, busily writing.  He
+looked up as Reynolds appeared, and a smile illumined his face.
+
+"You are back early, Tom.  Found something special?"
+
+"Yes," Reynolds replied as he sat down upon the only vacant chair the
+office contained.  "But nothing for publication."
+
+The editor pushed back his papers, swung himself around in his chair
+and faced the visitor.
+
+"What is it, Tom?" he asked.  "You look more animated than I have seen
+you for many a day.  What has come over you?  What is the special
+something you have found?"
+
+"Myself."
+
+"Yourself!"
+
+"That's just it.  I'm through with this job."
+
+The editor eyed the young man curiously yet sympathetically.  He was to
+him as a son, and he had done everything in his power to help him since
+his return from the war.  But he was well aware that Reynolds was not
+happy, and that newspaper work was proving most uncongenial.
+
+"Where are you going, Tom, and what are you going to do?" he presently
+asked.
+
+"I have not the slightest idea, sir.  But I must get away from this
+hum-drum existence.  It is killing me by inches.  I need adventure,
+life in the open, where a man can breathe freely and do as he likes."
+
+"Haven't you done about as you like, Tom, since you came home?  I
+promised your father on his death-bed that I would look after you, and
+I have tried to do so in every possible way.  I sincerely hoped that
+your present work would suit you better than in an office.  You are
+free to roam where you will, and whatever adventure has taken place in
+this city during the past six months you were in the midst of it, and
+wrote excellent reports, too."
+
+"I know that, sir, and I feel deeply indebted to you for what you have
+done.  But what does it all amount to?  What interest do I take in
+trouble along the docks, a fight between a couple of toughs in some
+dark alley, or a fashionable wedding in one of the big churches?  Bah!
+I am sick of them all, and the sooner I get away the better."
+
+Reynolds produced a cigarette, lighted it and threw the match upon the
+floor.  From the corner of his eye he watched the editor as he toyed
+thoughtfully with his pen.  This man was nearer to him than anyone else
+in the world, and he was afraid that he had annoyed him by his plain
+outspoken words.
+
+"And you say you have nothing in view?" the editor at length enquired.
+
+"Nothing.  Can you suggest anything?  Something that will tax all my
+energy of mind and body.  That is what I want.  I hope you do not
+misunderstand me, sir.  I do not wish to seem ungrateful for what you
+have done."
+
+"I do understand you, Tom, and were I in your position, and of your
+age, I might feel the same.  But what about your painting?  Have you
+lost all interest in that?  When you were in France you often wrote
+what impressions you were getting, and how much you intended to do when
+you came home."
+
+"I have done very little at that, and the sketches I made are still
+uncompleted.  Some day I may do something, but not now."
+
+"You certainly have lost all interest, Tom, in the things that once
+gave you so much pleasure."
+
+"It is only too true, although I have honestly tried to return to the
+old ways.  But I must have a fling at something else to get this
+restless feeling out of my system.  What do you suggest!  Perhaps it is
+only a thrashing I need.  That does children good sometimes."
+
+The editor smiled as he pulled out a drawer in his desk, and brought
+forth a fair-sized scrapbook.  He slowly turned the pages and stopped
+at length where a large newspaper clipping had been carefully pasted.
+
+"I do not think you need a thrashing, Tom," he began.  "But I believe I
+can suggest something better than that.  Here is an entry I made in
+this book over fifteen years ago, and the story it contains appeals
+strongly to me now.  I read it at least once a year, and it has been
+the cause of many a day-dream to me, and night-dream as well, for that
+matter.  Did you ever hear of the mysterious disappearance of Henry
+Redmond, the wealthy merchant of this city?  But I suppose not, as you
+were young at the time."
+
+"No, I never heard of him," Reynolds acknowledged.  "Was he killed?"
+
+"Oh, no.  He merely disappeared, and left no trace at all.  That was,
+as I have just said, over fifteen years ago, and no word has been
+received from him since."
+
+"What was the trouble?  Financial difficulties?"
+
+"Not at all.  He simply disappeared.  It was due to his wife's death,
+so I believe.  They were greatly attached to each other, and when she
+suddenly died Redmond was a broken-hearted man.  I knew him well and it
+was pathetic to watch him.  He took no interest in his business, and
+sold out as soon as possible.  Then he vanished, and that was the last
+we heard of him.  He was an odd man in many ways, and although one of
+the shrewdest men in business I ever knew, he was fond of the simple
+life.  He was a great reader, and at one time possessed a very fine
+library.  This article which I wish you to read tells the story of his
+life, how he built up his business, and of his sudden disappearance."
+
+"How do you know he wasn't killed?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Because of this," and the editor laid his forefinger upon a small
+separate clipping at the bottom of the larger one.  A short time after
+Redmond disappeared, and when the excitement of all was intense, this
+was received and published.  Although it bore no name, yet we well know
+that it was from Redmond, for it was just like something he would do.
+This is what he wrote:
+
+
+"'I go from the busy haunts of men, far from the bustle and worry of
+business life.  I may be found, but only he who is worthy will find me,
+and whoever finds me, will, I trust, not lose his reward.  From the
+loopholes of retreat I shall watch the stress and fever of life, but
+shall not mingle in the fray.'"
+
+
+"Queer words, those," Reynolds remarked, when the editor had finished
+reading.  "What do you make of them?"
+
+"I hardly know, although I have considered them very carefully.  I
+believe they contain a hidden meaning, and that the finding will
+consist of more than the mere discovery of his person.  It must refer
+to something else, some quality of heart or mind, that is, the real
+personality behind the mere outward form."
+
+"A double quest, eh, for anyone who undertakes the venture?"
+
+"It seems so, Tom, and that makes it all the more difficult.  But what
+an undertaking!  How I wish I were young again, and I should be off
+to-morrow.  I was a fool not to make the try fifteen years ago.  I
+would not now be chained to this desk, I feel certain of that."
+
+"And as you cannot go yourself, you want----?"  Reynolds paused and
+looked quizzically at the editor.
+
+"I want you to go in my stead," was the emphatic reply.  "You are
+young, strong, and anxious for adventure."
+
+"For what purpose, sir?  Why do you wish me to undertake this
+wild-goose chase?  For such it seems to me."
+
+"I wish you to go for three reasons.  First, for your own good; as an
+outlet to your abundant energy, and to give you some object in life.
+Next, to satisfy a curiosity that has been consuming me for years.  I
+am more than anxious to know what has become of Henry Redmond.  And
+finally, for the sake of my paper.  If you should prove successful,
+what a write-up it will make, for you will have a wonderful story to
+tell.  Doesn't the thing appeal to you?  Why, it makes my blood tingle
+at the thought of such an undertaking."
+
+"It does stir me a bit," Reynolds acknowledged.  "But where am I to go?
+Have you any idea where Redmond is?  The world is big, remember, and
+without any clue, the chase would be absolute folly."
+
+"I am well aware of all that.  I have no idea where Redmond is, and
+that makes the venture all the more interesting.  If I could tell you
+where he is, and you merely went and found him, bah! that would not be
+worth the trouble.  But the uncertainty of it all is what appeals to
+me.  The whole world is before you, and somewhere in the world I
+believe Henry Redmond is living.  Your task is to find him.  Can you do
+it?"
+
+For a few minutes Reynolds did not speak.  He was interested, but the
+undertaking seemed so utterly hopeless and ridiculous that he
+hesitated.  If he had the slightest clue as to the man's whereabouts it
+would be different.
+
+"How old a man was Redmond when he disappeared?" he at length asked.
+
+"About fifty, I understand, although he appeared much older at times.
+He was a fine looking man, over six feet in height, and a large head,
+crowned with a wealth of hair streaked with gray, when last I saw him.
+His commanding appearance attracted attention wherever he went, and
+that should aid you somewhat in your search."
+
+"Had he any family?" Reynolds questioned.
+
+"One little girl only, for he married late in life.  His friends
+thought that he would remain a permanent bachelor, and they were
+greatly surprised when he unexpectedly took to himself a wife much
+younger than himself, and very beautiful.  They lived most happily
+together, and when his wife died Redmond was heartbroken."
+
+"Perhaps her death affected his mind," Reynolds suggested.
+
+"I have thought of that, and his sudden disappearance, as well as the
+peculiar letter I read to you, lends color to the idea."
+
+"What became of the child?"
+
+"No one knows.  He evidently took her with him, and that is another
+reason why I believe no harm befell him as you suggested.  The whole
+affair is involved in the deepest mystery."
+
+"And did no one attempt to solve it?" Reynolds asked.  "Was no effort
+made to find the missing man?"
+
+"There was at the time, and the newspapers far and near made mention of
+his disappearance.  It was the talk of the city for several weeks, and
+I understand that several men thought seriously of searching for him.
+But the interest gradually waned, and he was forgotten except by a few,
+of whom I am one."
+
+Reynolds rose to his feet and picked up his hat.
+
+"Suppose I think this over for a few days?" he suggested.  "If I get
+the fever I shall let you know.  In the meantime I shall plug away at
+my present job.  I can't afford to be idle, for 'idleness is the
+holiday of fools,' as someone has said."
+
+"That's fine, Tom," and the editor's face brightened with pleasure.
+"And, remember, you shall be supplied with all the money you need, so
+do not worry about that."
+
+"Thank you, but I have a little of my own that will last me for a
+while.  When I run through with it I may call upon you."
+
+"Very well, do as you like, Tom.  But think it over and let me know of
+your decision as soon as possible."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+WHEN THE FOG-BANK LIFTED
+
+The _Northern Light_ was lying at her wharf preparing for her long run
+to the far Northern Pacific, through the numerous islands studding the
+coastal waters of British Columbia, and the United States Territory of
+Alaska.  All day long she had been taking on board great quantities of
+freight, and now on the eve of her departure passengers were arriving.
+The latter were mostly men, for new gold diggings had been discovered
+back in the hills bordering the Yukon River, and old-timers were
+flocking northward, anticipating another Klondyke, and all that it
+might mean.
+
+Tom Reynolds stood on the wharf noting the excitement that was taking
+place around him.  Apart from the article he would prepare for the next
+day's issue of _The Telegram_; he was more than usually interested in
+what he beheld.  As he watched several bronzed and grizzly veterans of
+many a long trail and wild stampede, a desire entered into his heart to
+join them in their new adventure.  He would thus find excitement enough
+to satisfy his restless nature, and perhaps at the same time share in
+the golden harvest.
+
+This longing, however, was held in check by the thought of the story he
+had heard the evening before, and also by the hope of seeing again the
+face he had beheld for a few fleeting seconds at the street crossing.
+In fact, he had thought more of it than of the mysterious disappearance
+of Henry Redmond.  For the greater part of the night and all the next
+day the girl had been in his mind.  He tried to recall something more
+about her, the color of her hair, how she was dressed, and whether she
+was tall or short.  But he could remember nothing except the face which
+alone stood out clear and distinct.  Several times during the day he
+had been on the point of transferring his impressions to paper, but he
+always deferred action, preferring to muse upon the beautiful vision he
+had seen and to dream of meeting her again.  She must still be in the
+city, he reasoned, and should he go away now his chance of finding her
+would be lost forever.  That he would find her he had not the slightest
+doubt, for among the crowds that passed daily along the streets he
+would surely see her, and when he did--well, he was not certain what
+would happen.  Anyway, he would know more about her than at present.
+He was standing watching an old man with a long gray beard and wavy
+hair falling below a broad-brimmed slouch hat.  He was evidently a
+prospector, for he bore a good-sized pack across his right shoulder,
+and was dressed as if for the trail, with a pair of coarse boots upon
+his feet.  His figure was commanding, almost patriarchal, and Reynolds
+watched him with much interest as he walked stately and deliberately up
+the gangway.
+
+As Reynolds turned from his observation of the old man, he gave a great
+start, and his heart beat wildly, for there but a few feet from him was
+the very girl he had seen at the street crossing.  She had just
+alighted from an hotel auto, and was pointing out her baggage to one of
+the cabin boys when Reynolds noticed her.  He leaned eagerly forward to
+catch the sound of her voice, but the noise around him made this
+impossible.  But he had a chance to feast his eyes upon her face, and
+to note her neat dark-brown travelling suit which fitted so perfectly
+her well-built erect figure.  She was of medium height, and carried
+herself with complete assurance as one well accustomed to travel.  She
+was apparently alone, for no one accompanied her as she presently went
+on board the steamer.
+
+Reynolds was all alert now, and his old-time enthusiasm returned.  She
+was going north, and why should not he go too?  Once more thought and
+action became welded, and finding that it would be three-quarters of an
+hour before the steamer's departure, he hurried back to his boarding
+house, gathered together his few belongings, including his artist's
+outfit, thrust them into a grip, settled his board bill, and almost
+raced to the _Telegram_ and _Evening News_ building, where he found the
+editor who had just arrived for his nightly duties.
+
+"I am off at once," he announced.  "How will that suit you?"
+
+"Good for you!" was the pleased reply.  "Decided upon the Great Quest,
+eh?"
+
+"Yes, all settled, and away in twenty minutes."
+
+"Where to?"
+
+"Up north, to the edge of nowhere.  How will that do?"
+
+"Found a clue?"  The editor was quite excited now.
+
+"All the clue I need," was the evasive reply.  "I shall write as soon
+as possible, telling of my wanderings.  So, good-by; I must be away."
+
+"Have you enough money?"  The editor was on his feet now, grasping the
+young man's hand in a firm grip.
+
+"Yes, all that's necessary for the present.  If I need more I shall let
+you know."
+
+An hour later the _Northern Light_ was steaming steadily on her way.
+Reynolds had been fortunate enough to obtain an upper berth, his
+roommate being a young clerk destined for a branch bank in a northern
+mining town.  Reynolds strolled about the boat hoping to catch a
+glimpse of her who was much in his mind, but all in vain.  It rained
+hard most of the next day, and the outside decks were uncomfortable.
+It was toward evening that he saw her, walking slowly up and down the
+hurricane deck abaft the funnel.  She was with the captain, a fine
+looking, middle-aged man, and they seemed to be on very friendly terms,
+for the girl was smiling at something her companion was saying.
+
+Reynolds lighted a cigar and began to pace up and down on the opposite
+side of the deck.  Others were doing the same, so no one paid any heed
+to his presence.  A casual observer might have thought that the silent
+young man took no interest in anything around him.  But Reynolds missed
+hardly a movement of the girl but a few feet away.  He always kept a
+short distance behind and was thus able to study her closely without
+attracting attention.  She wore a raincoat, of a soft light material,
+and her head was bare.  The wind played with her dark-brown hair, and
+occasionally she lifted her hand and brushed back a wayward tress that
+had drifted over her forehead.  At times he caught a glimpse of her
+face as she swung around at the end of the beat, and it was always a
+happy, animated face he beheld.
+
+For about fifteen minutes this walk was continued, and Reynolds had
+been unable to distinguish any of the conversation between the two.
+But as they ended their promenade, and started to go below, they almost
+brushed him in passing, and he heard the captain say, "Jack will be
+home soon, and he will----"  That was all Reynolds was able to
+overhear, and yet it was sufficient to cause him to stop so abruptly
+that he nearly collided with a man a few steps behind.  Was all that
+talk about Jack? he asked himself, and was that why the girl seemed so
+happy in listening to her companion?  Was Jack the captain's son, and
+did he have the first claim upon the girl?  Perhaps he was overseas,
+and was expected home shortly.  No doubt the girl had been visiting his
+people.
+
+Such an idea had not occurred to Reynolds before, but as he thought it
+all over that night as he sat silent in the smoking-room, it did indeed
+seem most reasonable.  Why should he think any more about the girl? he
+mused.  He had been a fool for allowing his heart to run away with his
+head.  How could he for one instant imagine that such a girl would be
+left until now without many admiring suitors, with one successful over
+all the others?  And no doubt that one was Jack, whose name had fallen
+from the captain's lips.
+
+Although Reynolds felt that the girl was not for him, yet he could not
+banish her from his mind.  She had aroused him from the paralysis of
+indifference, for which he was most grateful.  He would make a
+desperate effort not to be again enmeshed in such a feeling.  He would
+throw himself ardently into the search for gold, and then turn his
+attention to Henry Redmond, and strive to solve the mystery surrounding
+the man.
+
+After breakfast the next morning he went out on deck, and found the
+girl already there comfortably seated in a large steamer chair.  She
+had evidently been reading, but the book was now lying open upon her
+lap, and her hands were clasped behind her head.  Reynolds caught the
+gleam of a jewel on one of her fingers, and he wondered if it was an
+engagement ring she was wearing.  Her eyes were looking dreamily out
+across the water, away to a great fog-bank hanging and drifting over
+the face of the deep.  Reynolds, too, looked, and the sight held him
+spellbound.  The mass of fog slowly rose and rolled across the
+newly-bathed sun.  Then it began to dissolve, and dim forms of trees
+and islands made their appearance, growing more distinct moment by
+moment.  The scene fascinated him.  It was truly a fairy world upon
+which he was looking.
+
+And as he looked, his eyes rested upon a dark speck just beneath the
+overhanging fog.  For a few minutes it made no impression upon his
+wandering mind.  But slowly he began to realize that the object was in
+motion, and moving toward the steamer.  Then he saw something dark
+being waved as if to attract attention.  He was all alert now, feeling
+sure that someone was hailing the steamer.  In a few minutes she would
+be past, when it would be too late to be of any assistance.
+
+Turning almost instinctively toward the pilot-house, Reynolds' eyes
+fell upon the captain, who was again talking to the girl.  Only for an
+instant did he hesitate, and then walking rapidly along the deck, he
+reached the captain's side and touched him lightly upon the arm.
+
+"Excuse me, sir," he began, as the officer wheeled suddenly around.
+"Someone seems to be signaling to you over there, just where that
+fog-bank is lifting," and he pointed with his finger.
+
+The captain and the girl both turned, and their eyes scanned the watery
+expanse.
+
+"Can you see anything, Glen?" the captain asked.  "My eyes must be
+failing me."
+
+"I do now," was the reply.  "Over there to the left," and she motioned
+with her hand.  "I see it quite plainly.  It is a boat of some kind
+with people in it, and they are waving to us."
+
+"So it is!" the captain exclaimed.  "Who can it be?  However, we shall
+soon find out."
+
+He hurried away, and soon a long raucous blast ripped the air.  Then
+the steamer swerved to the right and made for the small craft which was
+now plainly visible.  Many of the passengers were already crowding the
+rail, all greatly interested in this new diversion.
+
+Reynolds stepped back and gave his place to another.  He could watch
+the approaching boat just as well here, and at the same time study to a
+better advantage the girl who was standing close to the rail.  He had
+accomplished something, anyway, which was worth a great deal to him.
+He had heard her speak and learned her name.  He liked "Glen," and it
+seemed to suit her.  But Glen what?  He longed to know that, too.  Her
+voice was soft and musical.  It appealed to him.  Yes, everything
+seemed to be in harmony, he mused.  Name, voice, dress, and manner, all
+suited the girl admirably.  It was a happy combination.
+
+From where he was standing he could watch her unobserved.  He could see
+the side of her face nearest to him, and he noted how flushed it was
+with excitement.  She was keenly interested in the approaching boat,
+and her eyes followed it most intently.
+
+The steamer had already slowed down, and its movement now was scarcely
+perceptible.  Reynolds looked at the small approaching craft, and to
+his surprise he saw that it was a large canoe, being paddled by four
+stalwart Indians.  There were several white men on board, although he
+could not distinguish their faces.  Who could they be, and where had
+they come from? he wondered.  A man standing nearby asked the same
+question, though no one seemed to be able to give a satisfactory answer.
+
+By this time the canoe was so near the steamer that from his position
+Reynolds could see nothing more owing to the men crowding the rail.  He
+glanced toward the girl just as she turned suddenly away from the side
+of the steamer and walked rapidly across the deck.  She seemed much
+agitated, and the flush had fled her face, leaving it very white.  All
+this Reynolds briefly noted, and when she had disappeared through a
+door leading into the observation room, he stood wrapped in thought,
+wondering as to the cause of the remarkable change that had so suddenly
+taken place.  Was there some mystery connected with her life, and had
+she recognized someone in the canoe she did not wish to meet?  He
+determined to learn what he could about the picked-up men, and to keep
+his eyes and ears open for further developments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A BIG BLAZIN' LAUGH
+
+"Fine sight that, sir."
+
+Reynolds turned sharply at these words, and saw the old man with the
+long beard and flowing hair standing at his left.  Although he himself
+was almost six feet in height, he seemed small by the side of this
+stranger, who was looking calmly out over the water toward the
+fog-bank, which had now lifted and was slowly dissolving.
+
+"Ye don't see the likes of that often," he continued, "an' it ain't
+everyone who kin read its meanin', either."
+
+"What do you see there?" Reynolds asked, more interested in hearing the
+man's deliberate drawl than the meaning of the fog-bank.
+
+"Wall, it seems to me that a fog-bank hasn't a ghost of a chance fer
+life when the sun hits it good an' hard."
+
+"That one hasn't, anyway," Reynolds replied, as he watched the cloud
+gradually thinning and drifting away.
+
+"It's the same with all clouds, sir, an' it makes no difference whether
+they're hangin' over the water or over one's life.  They're bound to
+disappear when the sun gits after 'em."
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"I sartinly do.  Why, there isn't a cloud but'll gather up its skirts
+an' run when a good big blazin' laugh gits after it.  An' that's what
+we want in this world to-day; more cheerfulness, more of the joy of
+life."
+
+"Have you tried it?"
+
+"Y'bet I have, an' it's allus worked like a charm.  I could tell ye of
+many a squabble that's been settled by the means of a smilin' face an'
+a good hearty laugh.  There's nuthin' like it."
+
+"You're an optimist, I see," and Reynolds smiled for the first time in
+many a day.  He could not help it, for this stranger radiated a
+stimulating influence of cheerfulness and goodwill.
+
+"I try to be, sir, an' when I see a fog-bank hoverin' over people like
+that one did out yonder a little while ago, I consider it my duty to
+act like the sun an' drive it away.  Then, there's good feelin' all
+around, 'specially among the ones who were under the cloud."
+
+"I imagine it is that way with those men who have just been picked up.
+They must feel happy over the lifting of the fog at the right moment."
+
+"That's jist what I mean.  It meant much to them."
+
+"Do you know who they are?"
+
+"Miners, no doubt, who wish to go north.  They've been prospecting
+mebbe, on some of the islands along the coast, an' started out to hail
+a passin' steamer.  They do it at times."
+
+"And the steamers always pick them up?"
+
+"Sure; they wouldn't go by without takin' 'em on board, no matter who
+they are.  It's the great Brotherhood of man, ye see, back of it all,
+an' ye'll find that spirit stronger the farther north ye go.  It's
+different here from what it is in the big cities, an' the more ye
+preach of that the better."
+
+"Preach!  What do you mean?" Reynolds asked in amazement.
+
+"You be one of them missionary chaps, ain't ye?"
+
+Reynolds laughed.  "What makes you think so?"
+
+"Dunno, 'cept yer solemncoly face, an' the way yer dressed.
+Missionaries ginerally come north lookin' about as you do, to turn the
+sinner from the error of his way, an' to convart the heathen Injun.
+They're not overly pop'lar up thar."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, they've too high an' mighty notions about the way men should live;
+that's the trouble."
+
+"And so you think they should make themselves popular with the men, eh?
+In what way?"
+
+"By bein' one of 'em, an' not bein' too hard on what they do."
+
+"Do you think that their great Master ever said that they would be
+popular, and that they were to please all men?" Reynolds defensively
+asked.
+
+"I dunno.  Guess I can't recall anything He ever said about the
+matter," and the old man scratched his head in perplexity.
+
+"Didn't He tell His first disciples that they would be hated of all men
+for His name's sake when He sent them forth to do His work?"
+
+"I believe He did," was the reluctant assent.  "But that was a long
+time ago.  Things are different now."
+
+"Only outwardly, remember.  The heart is the same in all ages; you
+can't change that.  If it is evil and full of vileness, it is bound to
+hate the good.  Surely you know that."
+
+"Then you really are one of them missionary chaps?" and the old man
+eyed Reynolds curiously.
+
+"No, I am not," was the emphatic reply.
+
+"But ye quote Scripter like a parson, though.  I thought mebbe ye was."
+
+"Is it necessary to be a parson to know something about the Bible?
+Isn't this a Christian land?  Why shouldn't I know something about the
+greatest Book in the world?  My mother taught it to me when I was a
+child, and I learned a great deal about it when I went to Sunday
+school.  I did not value it so much then, but when over in France, with
+death on all sides, much of it came back to me, and I honestly confess
+it was a great comfort."
+
+"An' so ye was over thar, young man?  Wall, that's sartinly
+interestin'.  Fer how long?"
+
+"Nearly four years.  I enlisted at the beginning of the war."
+
+"An' come through all right?"
+
+"Look," and Reynolds bared his left arm, showing a great scar.  "I have
+several more on my body, some worse than that."
+
+"Ye don't tell!  My, I'm glad I've met ye.  Got some medals, I s'pose."
+
+Reynolds made no reply, as he already felt ashamed of himself for
+having told this much.  It was not his nature to speak about himself,
+especially to a stranger, and he was determined to say nothing about
+the medals he had received for conspicuous bravery, and which he
+carried in his breast pocket.
+
+"Do you smoke?" he suddenly asked.
+
+"Yes; an old hand at it.  Good fer the nerves."
+
+"Well, suppose we go and have a smoke now.  I am just in the mood for
+one myself."
+
+Together they made their way to the smoking-room, which was situated
+well aft.  It was partly filled with men, smoking, chatting, and
+playing cards.  The air was dense with various brands of tobacco,
+making it impossible to see clearly across the room.  No one paid any
+heed to the two as they entered, sat down in one corner of the room,
+filled and lighted their pipes.  Reynolds noted that his companion
+became suddenly silent, and seemed to be deeply interested in four men
+playing cards at a small table a short distance from where they were
+sitting.
+
+"Do you play?" Reynolds asked, thinking that the old man might be fond
+of cards.
+
+"No," was the brief and absent-minded reply.
+
+Reynolds said no more, but watched the four men.  His attention was
+chiefly centered upon one who was facing him, and who was doing most of
+the talking.  He was a young man, with a dark moustache and black curly
+hair.  He played with keen interest and in a lofty dominating manner.
+Reynolds did not like his appearance, and the more he studied him the
+stronger became his repugnance.  It was not only the low brutal face
+that compelled this feeling, but the coarse language that reeked from
+his lips.  This so disgusted Reynolds that he was about to leave the
+room, when in an instant a commotion took place among the players.
+They sprang to their feet, and a miniature babel ensued.
+
+"You're cheating."
+
+"I'm not."
+
+"You're a liar."
+
+These were some of the terms hurled forth in sharp rasping sentences,
+and it seemed as if blood must surely be shed ere the confusion ended.
+As the word "liar" rang out, a sudden silence followed, and at once
+hands rested upon butts of revolvers concealed in four hip-pockets.
+But before they were drawn a peculiar noise broke the stillness, which
+caused Reynolds to start, for the sound came from the old prospector's
+lips.
+
+"Me-o-o-o-ow.  Me-o-o-o-ow.  Bow-wow-wow.  Bow-wow-wow."
+
+So unexpected was this interruption that all in the room stared in
+amazement, and even the four angry men turned to see whence the sound
+came.  So perfect was the imitation, and so humorous the expression
+upon the face of the old man, that the onlookers burst into a hearty
+laugh, which caused the four inflamed players to shuffle uneasily, and
+to look sheepishly at one another.  Then their mouths expanded into a
+grin, and the storm was over.
+
+The curly-haired man at once left his place and strode over to where
+the prospector was sitting.
+
+"Frontier Samson!" he exclaimed, gripping him firmly by the hand.  "Is
+it really you?"
+
+"Sure, it's me, all right, Curly.  Who else did ye think it was; me
+ghost?"
+
+"Not when I heard that cat-call, an' the bow-wow."
+
+"Heard 'em before, eh?  Guess this isn't the first scrape I've got ye
+out of, is it?"
+
+"Should say not.  But where in h---- did ye drop from, Sam?  I didn't
+know ye were on board."
+
+"Oh, I'm jist on a visit from the outside.  An' it's mighty lucky that
+I'm here, or else I don't know what 'ud have happened.  Better leave
+cards alone, Curly, if ye can't play without fightin'.  They make
+people act like a bunch of kids."
+
+"It was those d---- fools' fault, though, Sam."
+
+"Thar, now, don't make excuses an' blame others, Curly.  That's jist
+what kids allus do.  An' cut out them unholy words.  There might be a
+parson around."
+
+Curly flung himself down upon a seat, and lighted a cigarette.  He cast
+a furtive glance at Reynolds, thinking that perhaps he might be the
+"parson."
+
+"What have ye been doin', Curly?" the old man asked.  "An' why was ye
+driftin' out under that fog-bank?  Ye nearly got left, let me tell ye
+that."
+
+"I know we did, and I thought that d----, excuse me, Sam," he
+apologized, as he again glanced toward Reynolds.  "I mean, I thought
+that the fog-bank would never lift.  We've been doing some of the
+islands for several months."
+
+"Strike anything?"
+
+"Nothing, an' nearly starved in the bargain.  If it hadn't been fer an
+Indian mission, we wouldn't be alive now."
+
+"Then missionaries are of some use after all, Curly.  You was allus
+hard on 'em, if I remember right."
+
+"Umph!  They're all right when one's starving.  If they'd only leave
+the Gospel dope out, it wouldn't be so bad."
+
+"Got a dose of it, eh?"
+
+"Should say I did.  Morning, noon an' night I had to go to church with
+the Indians.  I've had enough to last me the rest of me life.  Say,
+weren't we glad to get away!"
+
+"Goin' north agin?  I thought ye was through, up thar?"
+
+"So did I.  But we heard of the new strike at Big Draw, an' decided to
+try our luck once more."
+
+"Think ye'll hit it this time?"
+
+"I hope so.  But it isn't altogether the gold that's taking me back.
+There's something more attractive."
+
+"So I imagined."
+
+"I thought you would understand."  Curly's voice was eager now.
+"She'll not escape me this time.  Gad, she's a beaut!  But as wild as a
+hawk."
+
+"An' so ye think ye'll corner her, eh?"  There was a peculiar note in
+Samson's voice which Reynolds was quick to detect, but which Curly
+missed.
+
+"Just you wait an' see," the latter reminded.  "That old cuss thinks
+he's got a regular Gibraltar behind those hills with his lousy Indians.
+But I'll show him a thing or two."
+
+"Ye've never been thar, have ye?" Samson queried.
+
+"Never.  But the bird comes out of her nest sometimes, ye know, an'
+then----"
+
+"You'll be the hawk, is that it?" Samson asked as the other paused.
+
+"Oh, I'll be around," Curly laughed.  "One doesn't run across the likes
+of her every day, an' she's the gold I'm really after."
+
+"Wall, all I kin say is this," the prospector replied, as he rose
+slowly to his feet, "that ye'd better be mighty keerful, young man.
+That Giberalter, as ye call it, is guarded by a lion that ain't to be
+fooled with.  He's got claws that reach from sun-up to sun-down as
+several smarter ones than you have found out to their sorrow.  Leave
+him alone, an' he'll bother nobody.  But interfere with that lass of
+his, an' the hull north won't be big enough to hide ye.  That's my
+warnin', an' if yer not a fool ye'll heed it."
+
+Reynolds had a good long sleep that afternoon.  He had been much
+disturbed the night before by several men in the next room, who shouted
+and sang until early morning.  During the evening he went out upon
+deck, well forward, as he wished to be alone, and away from the men who
+were drinking and gambling in other parts of the steamer.  It was a
+beautiful evening, with scarcely a ripple disturbing the surface of the
+water.  The air was mild, and when the sun went down, the moon rose big
+and cheery above the dense dark forest away to the right.  Reynolds
+thought over the conversation he had heard between Frontier Samson and
+the man known as "Curly."  That the latter was a scoundrel he had not
+the slightest doubt.  His face alone would have betrayed him even if he
+had not spoken a word.  He was curious concerning the reference to
+"Gibraltar," the "lion," and the "lass."
+
+As he thus sat and mused, listening to the zip-zip of the vessel as it
+cut through the water, his mind naturally drifted off to her of the
+street crossing incident.  He wondered what had become of her.  Why had
+she left the railing in such a hurry, and what was the cause of the
+sudden pallor that had come upon her face?  Had Curly anything to do
+with her agitation, and was it possible that she was the girl to whom
+he referred?  As this idea flashed into his mind, he sat bolt upright
+in his chair.  It did seem reasonable when he considered it.  In fact,
+it gave him a certain degree of pleasure as well.  If his suspicions
+were true, then the girl needed protection from that brute, and was it
+not his duty to keep a sharp lookout, and if necessary to protect her
+from all harm?
+
+And as he thought of this, the girl herself came upon deck, and walked
+at once toward the bow close to the tall flag-staff, which pointed
+upwards like a quivering slender needle.  Reynolds could see her
+plainly as she stood looking straight before her.  A cloak was thrown
+carelessly over her shoulders, and her head was bare.  What a perfect
+picture of gracefulness she presented to the admiring young man as he
+watched her by the light of the full-orbed moon.  How he longed to go
+forward, speak to her, and listen to her voice.  But, no, he did not
+dare to do that.  He must adore her at a distance and wonder what she
+was thinking about.
+
+Presently an idea leaped into his mind that thrilled his entire being.
+He was pushing out into the Great Unknown, with all its dangers and
+uncertainties.  But standing there before him was his guiding star, the
+one girl in all the world who unconsciously had inspired and stirred
+him to action.  Was she really to be his guiding star?  Anyway, the
+sight of her standing before him seemed to be a favorable portent of
+the future.
+
+For almost half an hour the girl stood silently at the bow, apparently
+unconscious that anyone was near.  Reynolds remained a long time after
+she had gone.  It was good to be there on such a night, with no one to
+disturb him, alone with a fair vision before him, and a sweet peace in
+his soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+BEYOND THE GREAT WHITE PASS
+
+"All aboard!"
+
+The train was on the point of pulling out from the little coast town of
+Skagway on its run inland of one hundred and ten miles.  There had been
+much bustle and excitement ever since the steamer landed early that
+morning.  But now everything was in readiness, the signal had been
+given, and the train began to move.
+
+Reynolds was comfortably seated and looking out of the open window,
+when Frontier Samson came and sat down by his side.  The old prospector
+was much out of breath and panting heavily.
+
+"I nearly missed the train," he explained.  "She was movin' when I
+swung on board."
+
+"Sight-seeing, eh?" Reynolds queried.
+
+"That's about it, I guess.  Watchin' a mix-up, an' gittin' Curly out of
+a scrape.  That's what delayed me."
+
+"What was the trouble?"
+
+"Oh, the same old story.  Curly kin never mind his own bizness.  He's
+allus pokin' his nose into other people's affairs.  He's too sassy."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"In the smoker.  I had to drag him along with me, an' that's what made
+me late."
+
+"Why didn't you leave him behind?"
+
+"I should have done that.  But it's the Brotherhood, ye see, that made
+me do it.  That feller ain't safe runnin' at large, an' somebody's got
+to keep an eye on him, 'specially up here."
+
+"It seems to me that you have undertaken a big task," and Reynolds
+smiled.
+
+"Indeed I have an' no one knows that better'n me.  If I had my way,
+he'd be shipped off to some Penitentiary.  That's the right place for
+the likes of him.  An' he'll land thar some day, as sure as guns.  But
+in the meantime somebody's got to watch him."
+
+Reynolds made no reply.  In fact, he hardly heard his companion's last
+words, for his eyes were riveted upon the wonderful sights around him.
+Above towered the peaks of the White Pass Range, grand and majestic.
+Away to the left, and far above, could be seen the railway track,
+twisting along the mountain side like a thin dark thread.  It seemed
+incredible that the train could make such a tremendous climb.
+
+"Do we go up there?" he asked in amazement.
+
+"Sure.  We'll be thar in a short time, but it takes four engines,
+though, to tug us up.  Then ye'll see something that'll make ye wonder.
+Guess thar's nuthin' like it in the hull world.  We'll go up three
+thousand feet, an' it'll be the nearest to heaven that some of the
+chaps on this train'll ever be.  Jist look at that, now!"
+
+Reynolds was indeed looking.  Far down below a few cabins appeared like
+little toy houses, while away beyond could be seen the blue cold waters
+of the North Pacific.  The air was becoming keen.  But it was bracing
+and stimulating.
+
+"Say, I'd like to paint that!" he mused half aloud.  "It is grand,
+stupendous, appalling!  And what a work to build this road!  How was it
+ever done!"
+
+"It sartinly was, young man.  It cost a mint of money, to say nuthin'
+of the lives sacrificed.  Thar was some mighty bad accidents on this
+bit of road, though thar was some funny ones, too.  I often have a good
+laugh to meself whenever I think of one of the stories that was told."
+
+"What was it?" Reynolds asked.  He was interested in everything now.
+
+"Wall, ye see, the company that built this road was considered mighty
+mean, an' ground the men down to the last cent.  One day a big blast
+went off before its time, an' a feller was blown high into the air.
+Everybody thought fer sure that thar wouldn't be a speck of him left.
+But strange to say, in about fifteen minutes he came down pat on his
+feet, an' but fer a few bruises an' a bad shakin' up he was as chipper
+as ye please.  He got another shock, though, at the end of the week
+which nearly put him out of bizness."
+
+The old man paused, and a smile overspread his face as he gazed
+thoughtfully out of the window.
+
+"Yes," he continued, "it sartinly was some shock, an' no mistake.  When
+he went to the office to be paid fer his week's work, he found that the
+company had docked him two-bits fer the fifteen minutes he was absent
+on that air-trip when the blast went off.  Now, what d'ye think of
+that?"
+
+"Close shaving, I should say," was the reply.  "It's a good yarn,
+though, and worth remembering.  But, my, isn't that a wonderful sight!"
+And Reynolds motioned to the great mountains away in the distance.  "We
+seem to be surrounded by them."
+
+"So we are, young man.  Ye can't escape 'em in the north any more'n ye
+kin git clear of the sky-scrapers in New York.  But them over thar are
+the work of the Almighty, an' a grand job He made of 'em.  This hull
+land reminds me of a big cathedral; the woods an' valleys are the
+aisles, an' the mountains are the spires pointin' man to heaven.  I
+tell ye, it's a great place out alone on the hills to worship.  Yer not
+cramped thar, an' it doesn't matter what kind of clothes ye have on.
+It's wonderful the sights ye see an' the things ye hear.  Talk about
+music!  Why, ye have the finest in the world when nature's big organ
+gits to work, 'specially at night.  I've shivered from head to toe when
+the wind was rippin' an' roarin' through the woods, down the valleys,
+an' along the mountain passes.  That's the music fer me!"
+
+"You seem to love this country," Reynolds remarked, as he noted the
+intense admiration upon his companion's face.
+
+"I sartinly do, young man.  It grips me jist as soon as I cross this
+range.  Thar's nuthin' like it to my way of thinkin', though it takes
+ye years to find it out.  Yet, it doesn't altogether satisfy the soul,
+although it helps.  Thar's something within a man that needs more'n the
+mountains an' the wonderful things around him.  But, thar, I must see
+what Curly's doin'.  He may be up to some more mischief."
+
+Although Reynolds was much interested in the scenery and in listening
+to the philosophy of the old prospector, yet his mind turned
+continually to Glen, for it was by that name he now thought of her.  He
+knew that she was on the train, for he had seen her as she stepped
+aboard but a few minutes before it left the coast.  She had passed
+close to where he was standing, carrying a grip in her hand.  He had
+caught sight of the leather tag fastened to the handle of the grip, and
+had strained his eyes in a futile effort to read the name written
+thereon.  He was determined in some manner to find out what that name
+was, as he feared lest he should lose her altogether when the journey
+by rail was ended.  He must have something more definite than the one
+word Glen.
+
+This opportunity was afforded him when he entered the principal hotel
+of the little town of Whitehorse at the terminus of the railway.  It
+was just across the street from the station, and when he arrived at the
+office she was there before him, and about to enter her name in the
+hotel register.  He stood by her side and watched her write.  It was a
+firm sun-browned hand that held the pen, and she wrote in a rapid
+business-like way.  "Glen Weston" were the only words Reynolds saw
+there as he wrote his own name a minute later below hers.  She had not
+even mentioned where she was from--that space was left blank.  He also
+noticed that the hotel clerk seemed to know who she was, for he was
+more affable to her than to anyone else.  She asked him if her father
+had yet arrived, and she appeared disappointed when he answered in the
+negative.
+
+The name "Glen Weston" kept running through Reynolds' mind all that
+evening.  He liked it, and it suited her admirably, so he thought.  But
+who was she, and where was she going?  That was what he wished to know.
+
+The town of Whitehorse was of considerable interest to Reynolds as he
+strolled that evening through its various streets.  It was a surprise
+to him as well, for he had not expected to find such a settled
+community.  He had imagined that all such towns in the north were wild
+and almost lawless places, abounding in desperate characters, ready to
+shoot on the slightest provocation.  But here all was order, and it was
+little different from one of the many small conventional towns in
+Eastern Canada.  There were several up-to-date stores, a large post
+office, bank, churches, and comfortable dwelling houses, though many of
+the latter were built of logs.  The Royal Northwest Mounted Police had
+their large barracks at the rear of the town under the brow of a high
+hill, where all day long the flag of the clustered crosses floated from
+its tall white staff in the centre of the square.
+
+It was the time of year when the light of day reaches far into the
+night, and deep darkness is unknown.  The sun merely dips for a few
+hours below the mountain Crests, and skims along the horizon, thus
+illuminating the western sky, and holding back the heavy draperies of
+night.  The light on the far-off ranges and the glory of the distant
+heavens fascinated Reynolds.  He had beheld many beautiful sunsets, but
+never such a one as this, and his entire soul was stirred within him.
+
+Leaving the level of the town, he climbed the hill, and there on the
+edge of the steep bank he feasted his eyes upon the wonderful panorama
+stretched out before him.  Like a silver thread the river wound its
+sinuous way between its steep banks, and faded from view amidst its
+setting of dark firs and jack-pines; around rose the mountains, their
+great sides either bathed in the glow of evening, or lying sombre and
+grim, telling of crouching valleys and funnel-like draws from which the
+light of day had retreated.  And below lay the little town, silent save
+for the occasional bark of a dog, or the shrill voices of children away
+to the right.
+
+For some time Reynolds remained here.  He was in no hurry to go
+elsewhere, for the evening was mild and conducive to thought.  There
+was nothing to take him back to the hotel, and he preferred to be out
+of doors.  Just what he was to do next he had no clear idea.  He knew
+that somewhere out from this town was the new mining camp for which he
+had started.  But where it was and how to reach it he had not the
+faintest knowledge.  In truth, he had never been sufficiently
+interested to make any inquiries, even from Frontier Samson.  What had
+become of the prospector, he wondered, as he had not seen him since his
+arrival in town.  And where was Glen?  He had followed her this far,
+and was he to lose her after all?  She had aroused him to action, and
+caused him to take this long and apparently foolish journey.  But he
+had not spoken a word to her, and so far as he knew she was totally
+unaware of his existence.  He smiled at the thought, and wondered what
+his friend, the editor, would say if he knew of it.  And what about his
+search for the missing man, Henry Redmond?  Instead of throwing himself
+earnestly and actively into the quest he was frittering away his time,
+following the will-o'-the-wisp of a fancy, and going daft over a mere
+slip of a girl who moved serenely apart from his world of thought and
+being.  He called himself a fool and chided himself over and over
+again.  But for all that, he was unable to tear her out of his heart
+and mind.  She seemed to belong to him, and to no one else.
+
+"I believe that my experiences in France have affected my brain," he
+muttered, as he at length rose to his feet.  "I am sure I was not like
+this before the war.  But here I am now dazzled and mystified by a fair
+face, a pair of sparkling eyes, and the charm of a name.  This will
+never do.  I must shake off this fascination, or I shall be good for
+nothing."
+
+He walked rapidly down the hill, and then along a trail that wound
+through a thicket of small fir trees.  This brought him in a few
+minutes to one of the streets leading straight to the river.  He walked
+slower now, much interested in the quaint log houses, with here and
+there a miner's or a prospector's tent.  Presently he saw before him a
+large building, with galvanized roof and sides.  People were entering
+the place, and drawing nearer, the sound of music fell upon his ears.
+A band was playing, he could easily tell, and it was dancing music at
+that.
+
+Reaching the building, Reynolds paused and listened.  The music was
+good, the best he had heard in a long time.  Through an open door he
+could see men playing billiards and pool.  It was a lively and an
+attractive scene, which caused him to enter and stand for a while near
+the door watching the games.  No one paid any attention to him, and
+from what he observed there were others like himself, strangers, who
+found the time hanging heavily on their hands, and had dropped into the
+place for the sake of companionship.  There were several large tables,
+and these were all occupied by eager players.  Nearby was a bar, where
+drinks of various kinds were being served.  The room was brilliantly
+lighted by electricity, and the whole atmosphere of the place was most
+congenial.
+
+At one end of the billiard room were two doors, and here a number of
+people were standing watching the dancing that was going on in the main
+part of the building.  Reynolds presently joined them, and he was
+greatly surprised at the size of the room, and the number of people
+upon the floor.  There was a gallery immediately overhead, and here the
+band was placed.
+
+For a few minutes Reynolds stood and watched the dancers in a somewhat
+indifferent manner.  He learned from a man standing by his side that
+this building belonged to a town club, and that such dances were not
+uncommon, at which most of the people attended.
+
+At first Reynolds could not recognize anyone he knew, but as he
+watched, he gave a great start, for there but a short distance away was
+Glen, and her partner was none other than the rascal, Curly.  He could
+hardly believe his eyes, and he followed them most intently as they
+moved about the room.  He felt certain now that Glen was the girl
+mentioned by Curly on the steamer in his conversation with Frontier
+Samson.  He had found her, and was it to her liking? he wondered.  He
+recalled her pale face and agitated manner as Curly boarded the vessel
+along the coast.  Was he the cause of her distress, or was it someone
+else?  It seemed then as if she wished to keep clear of the fellow, and
+her seclusion during the remainder of the voyage lent color to this
+idea.  But here she was dancing with him, and apparently enjoying
+herself.  All this puzzled Reynolds as he stood there, unheeding
+everything else save those special two.
+
+When the music ceased, Glen and Curly walked across the room and sat
+down but a short distance from the door.  Reynolds could see the girl's
+face most plainly now, and he could tell at a glance that she was
+unhappy.  Curly, on the other hand, was very animated and did all of
+the talking.  He was speaking in a low voice and seemed very much in
+earnest.  Occasionally the girl shook her head, and looked uneasily
+around as if fearful lest someone should overhear what was being said.
+At length, however, as she glanced to her right, her face brightened,
+and the light of joy leaped into her eyes.  Reynolds also turned his
+head, and he was surprised to see, standing not far away, a tall and
+powerfully-built Indian.  Where he had come from Reynolds had not the
+least idea, but there he was, clad in a soft buckskin suit, motionless,
+and heeding no one except the young girl sitting by Curly's side.  His
+placid face relaxed a little, however, as Glen moved swiftly to where
+he was standing and spoke to him in a low voice.  The Indian merely
+nodded in reply, and without even glancing around upon the curious
+watchers in the room, he at once followed the girl as she passed out of
+the building through a side door which opened upon the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+COMRADES OF THE TRAIL
+
+There was no wild stampede to the Big Draw mining camp on Scupper
+Creek, where gold had been discovered.  There had been so many such
+reports in the past which proved but flurries, that many of the
+old-timers became sceptical, and waited for further developments.
+There were some, however, who were always on the lookout for anything
+new, and the hope of making a strike induced them to hasten away at the
+least information of any discovery.  These drifted forth in little
+groups by the way of the river and mountain passes.  Among such there
+were always newcomers, men from the outside, as well as miners who had
+left the country years before.
+
+It was with the latest arrivals that Reynolds made his way into Big
+Draw.  He was accustomed to life in the open, and his recent experience
+of camp life in France served him in good stead now.  He had just
+himself to look after, and, accordingly, he did not need a large
+outfit.  He also learned that provisions could be procured at the
+mining camp, where a store had been established.  He, therefore, took
+with him only what was absolutely necessary, such as a small tent, a
+few cooking utensils, a good rifle, and sufficient food to last him for
+several days.  A steamer would carry him part of the way, while the
+rest of the journey would be made overland on foot.
+
+After her departure from the dance that night, Reynolds saw nothing
+more of Glen.  He found that she had left the hotel, but where she had
+gone he did not know.  He inquired of the clerk, and was answered with
+a curt "Don't know."  He wondered who the Indian could be.  There
+seemed to be a mutual understanding between him and the girl, at any
+rate, and they must have departed together.  During the remainder of
+his stay in town he had wandered about the streets, with the faint hope
+that he might again see the girl, or learn something as to her
+whereabouts.
+
+Frontier Samson had also disappeared, and no one seemed to know
+anything about him.  Reynolds did not mind asking about the old
+prospector, as it was different from enquiring about Glen.  In fact,
+the girl had become so real to him and such a vital part of his very
+existence that should he speak of her to others he might betray his
+deep concern.
+
+During the voyage down river he thought much about her and tried to
+imagine who she really was and what had become of her.  The idea even
+suggested itself that she might be that stolid Indian's wife.  Strange
+things often happened in the north, so he had read, and this might be
+one of them.  He banished the thought, however, as too ridiculous, and
+beyond the bounds of probability.
+
+The voyage was an uneventful one to Reynolds, who kept much to himself
+and did not join his companions at cards, which were played day and
+night.  At times there was considerable roughness, though no shooting.
+Curly was there, and enjoying himself to his heart's content.  He
+played most of the time, losing and winning in turn.  Reynolds often
+sat and watched him as he played, wondering where the fellow had first
+met Glen and what he knew about her.  He had never spoken to the
+rascal, and had no inclination to do so.  But several times glancing up
+from his cards Curly noticed Reynolds' eyes fixed intently upon him.
+Although he had found out that the quiet, reserved man was not a
+"parson," yet he knew that he had been with Frontier Samson, and he was
+curious to know what the old prospector had told him about his career.
+His record was so black that he naturally became suspicious until he at
+length imagined that the young man with the steady unswerving eyes was
+following him north with some special object in view.  The idea annoyed
+him, although he said nothing, but went on with his game.
+
+It took the little steamer some time to reach her destination, as she
+had to buck a heavy current part of the way.  When she at length tied
+up at the landing where the trail over the mountain began, the
+passengers scrambled quickly ashore, and started at once upon their
+hard journey, carrying heavy loads upon their backs.  With their long
+trip of several thousand miles almost at an end, the excitement of the
+quest increased, and eagerly and feverishly they pressed forward, each
+anxious to be the first of the party to reach the mining camp.
+
+But Reynolds was in no hurry.  He had not the same incentive as the
+others, and so long as his supply of food lasted he was as contented on
+the trail as anywhere else.  His pack was heavy and the day promised to
+be very warm.  He preferred to be alone, away from the insipid chatter
+and profanity of his companions.  It would give him an opportunity to
+think and to study the beauty of the landscape.
+
+Leaving the landing, he walked along the trail, which in a short time
+began to ascend around the right side of the mountain.  Here he stopped
+and looked back.  The river wound below, and the little steamer was
+lying at the bank discharging her cargo.  It was the last link between
+him and the great outside world of civilization.  In a few hours it
+would be gone, and for an instant there came to him the longing to go
+back and give up his foolish quest.  He banished the temptation,
+however, and plodded steadily on his way.  He had never turned back
+yet, and he was determined that this should not be the first time.  He
+had the unaccountable conviction that the lap of the future held
+something in store for him, and that he would come into his own in due
+time.
+
+The higher he climbed the more wonderful became the view.  The trail
+twisted around the mountain side, and from this vantage ground the
+solitary traveller could look forth upon vast reaches of forest and
+great wild meadows far below, with here and there placid lakes,
+mirroring trees, mountain peaks, and billowy clouds.  The voices of his
+companions had long since died away, and he was alone with the brooding
+silence all around, and his own thoughts for company.
+
+At noon he rested under the shade of an old storm-beaten tree, and ate
+his meagre lunch.  This finished, he lighted his pipe and stretched
+himself full length upon the mossy ground.  He was feeling more
+contented than he had been in many a day.  The air was invigorating,
+and a desire came over him to be up and doing.  His old indifference to
+life seemed to slip away like a useless and impeding garment, leaving
+him free for action.  He even thought with pleasure of mingling again
+in the activities of civilization, and winning for himself a worthy
+reputation.  He would make good in the north, and then go back and
+surprise his friend, the editor, and all who knew him.
+
+So strong was this feeling that he sat suddenly up, wondering what had
+come over him to cause the subtle change.  "It must be the wild mystery
+of this region," he mused.  "It is stimulating and impelling.  It may
+be the spirit of the mountains, and the other grand things of nature.
+They are carrying out the designs for which they were intended, and
+perhaps they have silently rebuked me for being a traitor to the
+highest that is in me.  But I shall show them a thing or two, if I am
+not much mistaken."
+
+Springing lightly to his feet, he continued his journey.  His step was
+more buoyant, his heart lighter, and the pack seemed less heavy than
+when he left the river.
+
+He travelled all that afternoon, crossed the summit, and moved swiftly
+down the opposite slope.  It was easy walking now, and he hoped to
+reach the valley and there spend the night.  He believed that he should
+find water among that heavy timber ahead of him, and thither he made
+his way.  Neither was he mistaken, for when his steps at length began
+to lag he heard the ripple of water drifting up the trail.  As he drew
+nearer he smelled the smoke of a camp-fire, and the appetizing odor of
+roasting meat.  "Somebody must be camping there," he mused, "and I may
+have company.  I am sorry, but then it can't be helped."
+
+The brook was a small one, shallow, and Reynolds easily sprang across.
+Gaining the opposite bank, he peered among the trees, and to his
+surprise he saw Frontier Samson squatting upon the ground, roasting a
+grouse over a fire he had previously lighted.  The old prospector's
+face brightened as the young man approached.
+
+"My, y've been a long time comin'," he accosted.  "I thought mebbe ye'd
+played out, tumbled down the side of the mountain, or a grizzly had
+gobbled ye up.  What in time kept ye so long?"
+
+"And where in the world did you come from?" Reynolds asked in reply, as
+he unslung his pack and tossed it aside.  "I never expected to meet you
+here."
+
+"Ye didn't, eh?  Wall, ye never want to be surprised at anything I do.
+I'm here to-day an' somewhere else to-morrow.  I'm allus on the move,
+rovin' from place to place.  It's me nature, I guess."
+
+"A rolling stone gathers no moss, so I've heard.  Is that the way with
+you?" Reynolds asked, with a twinkle to his eyes.
+
+"I may git no moss, young man, an' not become a fossil like some of the
+fellers in big cities, but I git a heap of rubbin' with me rollin', an'
+that keeps me brightened up."
+
+"But how did you get here ahead of me?" Reynolds questioned.  "You were
+not on the steamer, and I am certain you didn't walk."
+
+Samson drew the grouse from the fire, and examined it critically.
+Finding it not done to his satisfaction, he thrust it back again.
+
+"Jist hand me that fryin'-pan, will ye?" and he motioned to his left.
+"I want it handy when the bird's cooked.  Ye didn't expect to find a
+supper here to-night, young man, did ye?" and he looked quizzically at
+Reynolds.
+
+"Indeed I didn't," was the emphatic reply.
+
+"Neither did ye imagine that it 'ud be a grouse's bones ye'd be
+pickin'.  Why, it's no tellin' where that bird was three days ago.  It
+may have been fifty miles or more away, fer all we know.  But it's here
+now, isn't it?"
+
+"It looks very much like it," and Reynolds laughed.
+
+"Wall, that's jist the way with many other things.  It's allus the
+unexpected that happens, an' thar are surprises on every trail, as
+ye'll larn if ye haven't done so already.  Meetin' me here is one of
+'em, an' my movements are jist as unsartin an' mysterious as were them
+of that bird which is now sizzlin' over this fire."
+
+"But with not such an unhappy ending, I hope," and again Reynolds
+smiled.
+
+The prospector's eyes twinkled as he drew the bird from the fire, and
+laid it carefully in the frying-pan.
+
+"Guess it's done all right this time," he remarked.  "Now fer supper.
+I'm most starved."
+
+Reynolds was hungry, and he did full justice to the meal.  Samson had
+some excellent sour-dough bread of which he was very proud.
+
+"Made it last night," he explained, "an' it turned out better'n usual.
+Thought mebbe I'd have company before long."
+
+"Did you meet the others?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Oh, yes, I met 'em," Samson chuckled.
+
+"Were they far ahead?"
+
+"Y' bet, an' chatterin' like a bunch of monkeys.  Guess they're thar by
+now."
+
+"Were they surprised to see you?"
+
+"H'm, they didn't see me.  I was settin' under a tree well out of
+sight.  I didn't want to meet that crowd; they're not to my likin'.  I
+jist wished to see if Curly was along."
+
+"You seem to be keepin' a sharp eye on that fellow still," Reynolds
+remarked.  He was anxious to draw the prospector out.  Perhaps he might
+learn something about Curly's acquaintance with Glen.
+
+"Yes, I do keep me eyes peeled fer Curly," Samson drawled, as he
+finished his supper and pulled out his pipe.  "It's necessary, let me
+tell ye that.  He ain't safe nohow."
+
+"You have known him for some time, then?"
+
+"Long enough to be suspicious of the skunk."
+
+"He seems to be very friendly with you, though."
+
+"Oh, he's got sense enough not to buck up aginst me.  An' besides, I've
+yanked him out of many a nasty fix.  Most likely he'd been planted long
+before this if I hadn't been around at the right moment."
+
+"He's up here for more than gold, so I understand."
+
+"How did ye larn that, young man?"  There was a sharp note in Samson's
+voice.
+
+"Oh, I merely overheard your conversation with him in the smoking-room
+of the _Northern Light_.  That was all, but I drew my own conclusion."
+
+"An' what was that?"
+
+"Nothing very definite.  I simply inferred that he is after a girl
+somewhere here in the north, and that she is so guarded by a lion of a
+father that Curly hasn't much of a chance."
+
+"An' so that's what ye surmised, is it?" the prospector queried.
+
+"Am I right?"
+
+"Guess yer not fer astray."
+
+"Have you seen the girl?  Do you know her father?"
+
+"Have I seen the girl?  Do I know her father?" the old man slowly
+repeated.  "Yes, I believe I've seen her, all right.  But as fer
+knowin' her father, wall, that's a different thing.  Frontier Samson
+doesn't pretend to know Jim Weston; he never did."
+
+"Weston, did you say?" Reynolds eagerly asked.
+
+"That's what I said, young man.  The name seems to interest ye."
+
+"It does.  When I registered at the hotel in Whitehorse, the name just
+before mine was 'Glen Weston,' and the girl who wrote it came north on
+the _Northern Light_.  Do you suppose she is Jim Weston's daughter?"
+
+"She might be," was the somewhat slow reply.  "As I told ye before,
+it's ginerally the unexpected that happens.  Anyway, ye can't tell much
+by names these days."
+
+"But Curly knows her, for I saw them together at a dance the night I
+arrived in town."
+
+"Ye did!"  The prospector took his pipe from his mouth and stared hard
+at Reynolds.  "Are ye sure?"
+
+"Positive.  Why, I was standing at the door watching the dance, when I
+saw the two together upon the floor.  Later they came over and sat down
+quite close to me.  Curly did most of the talking, and the girl seemed
+quite uneasy.  She left shortly after with a fine-looking Indian, who
+had evidently come for her.  I have not seen her since."
+
+"So Curly was dancin' with her," Samson mused.  "Then she must be Jim
+Weston's gal.  I wonder what the old man'll say when he hears about it?"
+
+"How will he know?"
+
+"Oh, he'll find out, all right.  There's nuthin' that misses him here
+in the north."
+
+"What will he do to Curly?"
+
+"I wouldn't like to say at present.  That remains to be seen."
+
+"Is this Jim Weston a desperate character?"
+
+"The ones who have tried to fool with him say he is, an' I guess they
+ought to know.  He's a holy terror when he gits goin', 'specially when
+anyone's after that lass of his."
+
+"The men up here all know about her, I suppose?"
+
+"Should say so.  They're about crazy over her.  She's been the cause of
+many a row, an' several shootin' rackets."
+
+"Does she favor anyone?"
+
+"Not as fer as I know.  She's in a class all by her lonesome, an' well
+able to take care of herself.  She's not anxious fer lovers, so I
+understand, at least, not the brand ye find up here.  She's some lass,
+all right, an' whoever succeeds in winnin' her'll be a mighty lucky
+chap."
+
+"What does her father do?  Is he a miner?"
+
+"It's jist hard to tell what Jim Weston does an' what he doesn't do.
+No one seems to know fer sartin.  He lives like a lord on Big Lake, way
+over yonder," and Samson motioned to the east.  "All the folks know
+that he lives thar with his lass, guarded by a hull pack of Injuns.
+But what he does an' what he doesn't do is a mighty problem."
+
+"His daughter travels, though, and alone at that, doesn't she?"
+Reynolds queried.
+
+"Occasionally.  Jim's givin' her an eddication, so I hear.  She must be
+comin' back now, as this is vacation time."
+
+"But what happened to her, do you suppose, after the dance that night?"
+Reynolds asked.  "She disappeared as if by magic, and I believe the big
+Indian had something to do with it."
+
+"How d'ye know she disappeared?" was the sudden and somewhat
+embarrassing question.
+
+Reynolds laughed, and his face flushed.  He knew that he had betrayed
+himself, and that the prospector noted his confusion.
+
+"Oh, I didn't notice her in town," he explained, "and I saw by the
+register that she had left the hotel."
+
+"So you're interested in her, too, are ye, young man?"
+
+"I certainly am," was the candid confession.  "From the moment that I
+first saw her at a street crossing in Vancouver she has been hardly out
+of my mind.  I never saw any girl who affected me so much, and she is
+the reason why I am here now."
+
+"Ye don't tell!"  Samson tapped the ashes out of his pipe, and then
+stretched himself full length upon the ground.  "Make a clean breast of
+it, young man," he encouraged.  "I'm an old hardened chap meself, but I
+do like to hear a real interestin' heart-story once in a while.  I git
+sick an' disgusted listenin' to brutes on two legs, callin' themselves
+men when they talk about women.  But when it comes to a clean young
+feller, sich as I take you to be, tellin' of his heart-stroke, then
+it's different, an' I'm allus pleased to listen."
+
+And make a clean breast of it Reynolds did.  He was surprised at
+himself for talking so freely as he told about his indifference to life
+until he first saw Glen Weston.  It was easy to talk there in the
+silence of the great forest, with the shadows of evening closing around
+and such a sympathetic listener nearby.  He felt better when his story
+was ended, for he had shared his heart feeling with one worthy of his
+confidence, so he believed.
+
+Frontier Samson remained silent for a few minutes after the confession
+had been concluded..  He looked straight before him off among the trees
+as if he saw something there.  Reynolds wondered what he was thinking
+about, and whether he considered him a fool for becoming so infatuated
+over a mere girl.
+
+"I must seem ridiculous to you," he at length remarked.  "Would any man
+in his senses act as I have?"
+
+"Ye might do worse," was the quiet reply.  "I am sartinly interested in
+what ye've jist told me, an' I thank ye fer yer confidence.  Me own
+heart was stirred once, an' the feelin' ain't altogether left me yit.
+But ye've got a difficult problem ahead of ye, young man.  Ye want that
+lass, so I believe, but between you an' her stands Jim Weston."
+
+"And the girl, why don't you say?"
+
+"Sure, sure; she's to be considered.  But a gal kin be won when she
+takes a fancy to a man of your make-up.  The trouble'll be with her
+dad, an' don't fergit that.  But thar, I guess we've talked enough
+about this fer the present.  I'm dead beat an' want some sleep.  We
+must be away early in the mornin', remember."
+
+"What! are you going my way?" Reynolds eagerly asked.
+
+"Sure; if ye'd like to have me along.  I'm bound fer Big Draw meself."
+
+It was just what Reynolds desired.  He liked the old prospector, and
+now that he had confided to him his tale of love, he was drawn closer
+than ever to this wandering veteran of the trails.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A SHOT THAT TOLD
+
+The life at Big Draw mining camp on Scupper Creek did not appeal to
+Reynolds.  He watched the men at work upon their various claims, and
+noted how meagre was their success.  They toiled like slaves, lured on
+by the hope of a rich strike that never came.  The principal place of
+meeting was the roadhouse, where "Shorty" Bill held sway.  He lodged
+men, served meals, and conducted a bar.  He was a good-hearted fellow,
+rough and uncouth, but well liked by all, and a genial companion.  It
+was, therefore, but natural that at this place many of the men should
+congregate at night, and at times during the day, for a brief respite
+from their labors.  It was here, too, that news would occasionally
+drift in from the outside world, which would be discussed by the men as
+they played cards, the only amusement for which they seemed to care.
+When the mail arrived, as it did at irregular intervals, all work on
+the creek was suspended, and the men flocked to the roadhouse to
+receive their scanty dole of letters and papers.  Shorty was the
+custodian of the mail after its arrival, and he magnified his office.
+With a quid of tobacco tucked away in his cheek, he would study each
+address most carefully before calling forth the owner's name in a
+stentorian voice.
+
+Although mining was not in his line, Reynolds realised that he must do
+something.  As he studied the life of the camp, and watched the men at
+their work, he thought of his friend, the editor.  What an article he
+might write for _The Telegram_ that would make the editor's eyes dance
+with joy.  And he could do it, too, he felt certain, if he could only
+get up sufficient energy.  He could add a number of sketches drawn from
+life, which would be of much value.  He thought of all this as he
+wandered aimlessly around, and as he lay at night in his little tent.
+
+Several days thus passed without anything being done.  Frontier Samson
+had again disappeared, and no one had any idea where he had gone.
+Reynolds soon grew tired with having nothing to do, so he accordingly
+turned his attention to the hills.  Fresh meat was urgently needed for
+the camp, as the miners would not spare the time to go after it
+themselves.  Wild sheep roamed the mountains, and Reynolds decided that
+he could make more money by supplying the camp with meat than digging
+for the uncertain gold.  It would also satisfy his desire to get away
+into the wilds, where he could explore to his heart's content the
+mysteries of the foothills, the great valleys, and the vast expanses of
+wild meadows.
+
+Reynolds at once put this plan into execution, and each morning he left
+camp for a day in the hills.  At night he returned, loaded down with a
+mountain sheep he had bagged, and which he readily sold for several
+ounces of gold.  When not hunting, he would spend his time either
+exploring some creek or lying on the hillside studying the scenery
+around him, and imbibing impressions for the masterpieces he planned to
+produce.
+
+But it was not always the beauties of nature which occupied his mind.
+No matter where he went Glen was ever with him.  In some mysterious
+manner she seemed to be near, and he wondered if he should ever see her
+again.  He often looked away to the east, for there Frontier Samson had
+told him she lived.  How far off was the place? he asked himself, and
+if he did find her what would her lion of a father do?  He was tempted
+to make the try, anyway, and find out for himself if Jim Weston was as
+desperate a character as he had been painted.  He could do no more than
+kill him, and he did not fear death.  Had he not often faced it on the
+field of battle, and why should he shrink now?
+
+The more Reynolds thought about this, the more inclined he became to
+make the effort.  It would be another grand adventure to once again go
+over the top.  He might fail, but he would have the satisfaction of
+making the attempt and showing Glen that he was not a coward.  He had
+been longing for some wild undertaking, and here was the opportunity
+right at hand.  It would be far more preferable than spending his time
+around camp, or even hunting mountain sheep.
+
+He was thinking seriously of this one beautiful afternoon as he lay on
+the side of a deep ravine beneath a big weather-beaten fir tree.
+Below, a brook gurgled, now very small owing to the dryness of the
+season, but at times swollen by floods into a raging torrent.  Across
+this ravine the mountain rose steep and rugged.  Along its side a
+narrow trail wound, worn smooth by the feet of Indians, mountain sheep,
+and other denizens of the wild.  Reynolds idly wondered whither the
+trail led, and he was half tempted to start forth on an exploration
+journey.  But it was so comfortable there on the hillside that he gave
+up the idea, so, lying full upon his back with his hands under his
+head, he watched the tops of the far-off mountains, and the clouds
+drifting across the great savannas of the blue.
+
+For some time he remained thus, thinking of Glen and recalling the last
+time he had seen her.  He was trying once more to solve the mystery of
+her disappearance from Whitehorse, when a sudden noise across the
+ravine arrested his attention.  Casting his eyes in that direction,
+great was his surprise to see a woman mounted on a magnificent horse
+riding slowly down that crooked and dangerous trail.  Then his heart
+leaped within him as he recognized Glen.  What was he to do? he
+intuitively asked himself.  Should he remain where he was, or hurry
+down to the brook to meet her?  But what right had he to go near her?
+He had never spoken a word to her, and as she did not even know who he
+was, she might resent his appearance.  Would it not be better for him
+to remain where he was, and worship at a distance?  But was it
+gentlemanly that he should stay there and watch her when she was
+unaware of his presence?
+
+And all this time Glen was coming slowly down that winding trail.
+Reynolds watched her almost spell-bound.  She was a superb horsewoman,
+and rode as one born to the saddle.  How graceful was her figure, and
+how perfectly the noble animal she was riding responded to the lightest
+touch of the rein as he cautiously advanced.  Reynolds could see the
+girl most plainly now.  She sat astride the saddle, with the reins in
+her right hand, and a small riding-whip in the other.  She wore
+buckskin riding-breeches, a khaki-colored blouse, open at the throat,
+and a soft felt hat of the same color.  The sleeves of her blouse were
+rolled up to her elbows, thus exposing her strong, supple arms.  All
+this Reynolds quickly noticed, and he believed that he had never before
+beheld a more beautiful picture of true virile womanhood.
+
+The horse was jet-black, and although walking on such a perilous and
+difficult trail, it was easy to tell at the first glance that it was a
+splendid thoroughbred.  The animal's carriage showed not only pride in
+bearing such a beautiful rider, but a full sense of its responsibility
+as well.  Fine were its proportions, reminding Reynolds more of some
+victor of the race-track than the rough and hardy cayuses of the north.
+
+And even as he looked and wondered from whence such a pair of creatures
+had so unexpectedly come, the horse gave a terrified snort, threw up
+its head, and recoiled back upon its haunches.  The cause of this
+fright was at once apparent, for around a huge boulder a large hear had
+suddenly made its appearance.  Reynolds saw at a glance that it was a
+grizzly, the most formidable animal of the north, and the terror of the
+trails.  Although greatly startled at meeting the horse and its rider,
+the bear had no idea of retreating.  They were blocking his lordly
+advance and it made him angry.  Its coarse savage growl sawed the air
+as it moved menacingly forward.
+
+All this Reynolds noted as he kneeled upon the ground, firmly clutching
+his rifle with both hands.  Beads of perspiration stood out upon his
+forehead as he watched the scene across the deep gulch.  The horse was
+rearing wildly, and backing slowly up the trail.  There was no room to
+turn around, so with remarkable coolness and self-control the fair
+rider was keeping him pressed close to the bank and face to face with
+the on-coming grizzly.  At any instant the horse might disregard the
+guiding hand as well as the friendly words of encouragement, and in mad
+terror attempt to swerve suddenly around, and thus hurl itself and
+rider into the yawning abyss below.
+
+All this passed through Reynolds' mind with lightning rapidity, and he
+realised that there was not a moment to lose.  The bear was advancing
+more rapidly now, and in a twinkling he might hurl his full weight of
+eight hundred pounds of compact flesh, bone and muscle upon horse and
+rider.  But ere it could do this, Reynolds brought the rifle to his
+shoulder, took a quick, steady aim, and fired.  The bullet sped true
+and pierced the bear's body just back of its powerful right shoulder.
+The great brute stopped dead in its tracks.  It swayed for an instant,
+and then with a roar that drove the recoiling horse almost frantic with
+terror, it leaped sideways and plunged down the precipice, carrying
+with it a small avalanche of rocks, earth, and rattling stones.
+
+Reynolds watched the bear until it had plowed its way to the ravine
+below, where it remained a confused and motionless heap.  Then a smile
+of satisfaction over-spread his face as he lowered his rifle and lifted
+his eyes to the trail above.  The girl had the horse under control now,
+and was urging him slowly down the narrow way.  But the animal's fear
+was most apparent, for he was advancing very timidly, his whole body
+quivering with excitement.  The fair rider, however, seemed perfectly
+at ease, and not the least disturbed at what had just happened.
+
+After she had passed the spot where the bear had first appeared, she
+reined up the horse and looked across to where Reynolds was standing
+watching her most intently.  Waving her band in friendly salutation,
+she called aloud:
+
+"Come on over."
+
+The young man obeyed with alacrity.  He sped down the hill, leaped
+across the narrow stream, and hurried up the trail.  He was panting
+heavily when he reached the girl's side, and the perspiration was
+streaming down his face.  She looked at him curiously, and her eyes
+danced with merriment.
+
+"Do you always do that?" she questioned.
+
+"Do what?" Reynolds asked in reply.
+
+"Hustle like that at a woman's call?"
+
+"I never did so before, simply because I never had the chance.  This is
+a new experience to me."
+
+The girl looked at him steadily for a few seconds.  Then she smiled and
+held out her hand.
+
+"I wish to thank you for what you have done for me to-day," she naively
+told him.  "I am certain you saved my life.  My, that was a great shot
+you made!"
+
+Reynolds took her hand in his, and a thrill of joy swept through his
+body.  It was not a soft hand, but brown and firm as if accustomed to
+toil.  Her eyes met his and there was something in her look which
+aroused the noblest within him.  It was an expression of admiration,
+almost hero-worship, and confidence.  It said to him, "I know I can
+trust you, for you are worthy.  You are different from most men in this
+region.  Why are you up here?"
+
+"I am glad that I happened to be near," Reynolds replied.  "I was
+merely resting and enjoying the scenery when you and the bear appeared.
+You must be more careful in the future, as I might not be around."
+
+The girl gave a merry laugh, and brushed back a wayward tress of hair
+that had drifted temptingly over her right cheek.
+
+"I forgot to bring my gun," she explained, "and so the bear had me at
+its mercy.  It is always the way, isn't it?  Something is sure to
+happen when you are not prepared."
+
+"And do you always ride alone in such dangerous places?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Oh, yes," and again the girl smiled.  "Midnight and I know the trails
+well, don't we, old boy?" and she affectionately patted the horse's
+sleek neck.  "But we came farther to-day than usual.  But it was worth
+it, though, just to see that shot you made.  Won't daddy be interested
+when I tell him about it."
+
+"It was nothing much," Reynolds replied, although the sudden flush
+which mantled his face told Glen that he was pleased at her words of
+praise.  "I am used to shooting brutes.  In fact, it was my special
+work for several years."
+
+"Grizzlies?" the girl queried.
+
+"Worse than grizzlies, and far more ugly, crafty, and brutal."
+
+"My, I never heard of such creatures," and the girl's eyes grew big
+with astonishment.
+
+"Oh, I guess you have," and Reynolds smiled.  "They raise and train
+them in Germany.  I met them in France."
+
+"What! were you over there?"  Glen's interest and admiration were
+intense now.
+
+"Yes, almost from the beginning of the war.  I was a sharpshooter, you
+see, and so had excellent practice."
+
+"Oh!"  It was all the girl said, but it thrilled the young man's very
+soul, and when his eyes again met hers a sudden embarrassment came upon
+him.
+
+"Do you live here?" he unexpectedly asked.
+
+This question aroused Glen, and she at once assumed the defensive.  The
+expression in her eyes changed, and she looked apprehensively around.
+
+"A long way from here," she replied.  "I must be off at once."
+
+"Let me go with you, Miss Weston," Reynolds suggested.  "You are
+unarmed, and may meet another grizzly before you reach home."
+
+"How do you know who I am?" the girl asked.  "You never saw me before,
+did you?"
+
+"We travelled up the coast together on the _Northern Light_," Reynolds
+explained.  "I was the one who drew the captain's attention to that
+canoe when the fog-bank lifted.  You remember that, I suppose."
+
+"Indeed I do, and too well at that.  I wish that the fog had not lifted
+just then.  Your eyes were too sharp that morning."
+
+"But the men in the canoe were not sorry, though.  They seemed to be
+mighty glad to be picked up."
+
+"It is too bad that the fog lifted when it did," and the girl gave a
+deep sigh.
+
+"You know the men, then?"
+
+"Only one, but he is enough."
+
+"I saw you with him at the dance.  I suppose he is the one you mean."
+
+"Where is he now?"  There was a note of sternness in the girl's voice.
+
+"At Big Draw.  Any message I can take to him?"
+
+The girl's face underwent a marvellous change.  It was like the sweep
+of a cloud over a sunny landscape.  She touched Midnight with her whip,
+and he sprang forward.  Down the trail he clattered at a reckless gait,
+and when he had reached the level below his rider swung him sharply
+around.  Then he bounded upward, and when near to where Reynolds was
+standing, Glen pulled him up with a sudden jerk.
+
+"There is no message," she announced.  "Why have you misjudged me?  Are
+all men alike?  Thank you for what you did for me to-day.  Good-by."
+
+She again lifted her whip and it was about to fall upon Midnight's
+flank when Reynolds stepped forward and laid his right hand upon the
+horse's bridle.
+
+"Forgive me," he pleaded.  "I meant nothing.  I was merely joking.
+Perhaps I understand more than you realise.  May I accompany you home?
+It is not safe for you to travel alone, unarmed as you are, in a place
+like this."
+
+"No, no, you must not come," the girl protested.  "It is much safer for
+me than it would be for you.  Never cross the Golden Crest.  I have
+warned you, so remember."
+
+Again she touched her whip to Midnight, who leaped forward up the steep
+trail, pleased to be away from the place where he had received such a
+fright.  Only once did the girl look back to wave a friendly hand to
+Reynolds ere a sharp turn in the trail hid her from view.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+BOTTLES WILL DO
+
+For a few minutes Reynolds stood and looked up the trail after the girl
+and horse had disappeared from view.  He was strongly tempted to follow
+to the heights above to see what lay beyond.  He refrained, however, as
+the afternoon was fast wearing away, and he had a heavy load to carry
+back to camp.  Retracing his steps to the brook, he walked up the
+ravine until he came to the spot where the grizzly was lying, half
+buried beneath the rocks and earth.
+
+"Too bad, old chap," he remarked, as he looked down upon the brute.
+"But, then, it served you right.  You attacked the innocent and
+defenseless, little thinking that such swift vengeance was so near.
+You were little different, however, from certain two-legged brutes who
+tried the same game to their own sorrow.  You did me a great favor
+to-day, though, and it's too bad I had to shoot you.  I would like to
+take your skin and keep it as a souvenir of this day.  Guess I'll have
+to come back for it as I cannot carry it now.  And, besides, I shall
+need a shovel to dig you out of that heap."
+
+It was later than usual when Reynolds reached camp.  The way was long
+and the sheep he carried was heavy.  But his step was light and his
+heart happy.  He had met Glen, had talked with her, looked into her
+eyes, and felt the firm pressure of her hand.  Fate was kind to him, he
+reasoned, and it augured well for the future.
+
+He was tired and hungry when he reached his little tent on the bank of
+the creek.  A supper of broiled lamb, sour-dough bread, stewed dried
+fruit, and tea greatly refreshed him.  He then lighted his pipe, and
+stretching himself out upon his blankets, meditated upon all that had
+taken place during the afternoon.  It was good to lie there and rest
+with deep silence all around, the vision of Glen before him, and the
+remembrance of her voice and the touch of her hand.  He wondered how
+and when he should see her again.  He was determined that it must be
+soon, and he smiled at the idea of a terrible father keeping him away
+from her.  What did he care for desperate men?  Had he not faced them
+over and over again as they lay entrenched behind blazing rifles and
+deadly machine-guns?  He had carried his life in his hand on numerous
+occasions on behalf of King and country, and he was not afraid to do it
+again for his own personal satisfaction.  Just how he was to accomplish
+his object he had no definite idea.  It was enough for him as he lay
+there to think of Glen's voice, the charm of her face, and the glory of
+her kindling eyes.
+
+When he had finished his smoke he arose, and hoisting the sheep once
+again upon his back he carried it down to the roadhouse, where he sold
+it to Shorty, who had bargained with him the evening before for his
+game of the day.  It was much easier than toting it around to the
+various tents and shacks, and selling it by the piece to the miners.
+He made less, to be sure, but he was satisfied.  In fact, he was
+becoming tired of this business, and longed for something else,
+especially since he had met Glen in the hills.
+
+Several men had arrived at Big Draw that day, and had brought a number
+of letters.  One was for Reynolds, from his old friend, the editor.  It
+was a fatherly letter, full of interest for his welfare, and the hope
+that he would soon return and enter upon the quest to find the missing
+Henry Redmond.
+
+
+"I cannot get this notion out of my mind," he wrote in conclusion.  "It
+is with me night and day since I talked it over with you.  I believe
+you are the person best fitted for the undertaking.  Give up your
+present wild-goose chase, and come home."
+
+
+Reynolds smiled as he thrust the letter into his pocket, The editor
+called his trip north a "wild-goose chase."  He little knew that it was
+a chase of a different kind, and the bird was a fascinating girl.  "I
+guess I shall have to tell Harmon that the bird I'm after is not a wild
+goose, but a new species, found solely up here, and with only one known
+specimen in existence.  But I must write to him, anyway, and tell him
+something about my doings and the life at Big Draw."
+
+In an adjoining room men were playing cards.  Reynolds entered and
+stood watching them, especially Curly, who was deep in a game.  He was
+evidently losing heavily, and he was in a bad frame of mind.  As
+Reynolds stood and watched him, he began to wonder when the fellow had
+first met Glen.  Was it on the trail, or had Curly ventured beyond the
+Golden Crest?  It pleased him to know that the girl disliked the man,
+and how she wished that the fog-bank had not lifted just when it did.
+He longed to know what was in Curly's mind.  Would he attempt to meet
+the girl again?  That he was capable of the basest villainy, he had not
+the shadow of a doubt.  Frontier Samson had told him as much, and the
+old prospector apparently knew whereof he spoke.  It was not safe for
+Glen to travel alone among the hills, he mused.  She was in danger of
+meeting a worse brute than the raging grizzly she had encountered that
+afternoon.
+
+As Reynolds thought of these things he kept his eyes fixed intently
+upon Curly's face, not realising that he was staring so hard.  But
+Curly did, and glancing up several times from his cards, he met those
+steady, inscrutable eyes.  At first it annoyed him, making him nervous
+and impatient.  He wondered what the quiet, reserved fellow meant by
+looking at him in such a manner.  At length he became angry, and
+noticing that the eyes never left his face, he leaped to his feet with
+a savage oath, and moving over to where Reynolds was standing, demanded
+of him an explanation.
+
+Brought suddenly to earth, Reynolds started, and asked what was the
+trouble.
+
+"Trouble!" Curly roared.  "You'll d---- soon find out if you don't mind
+your own business."
+
+"Why, I have been doing nothing," and Reynolds looked his surprise.  "I
+was merely watching the game."
+
+"No, you weren't.  You were watching me like a cat watches a mouse, and
+I want to know what you mean."
+
+Reynolds laughed.
+
+"I didn't realise I was watching you," he explained.  "My mind was
+elsewhere.  I was thinking of more important things.  You seem to be
+looking for trouble."
+
+"I am, and you're the trouble, d---- you.  You've made me lose my game."
+
+"H'm, you needn't accuse me.  It must be your own conscience.  I am not
+looking for a quarrel, even if you are.  I shall leave at once if my
+presence is so objectionable to you.  I'm rather fond of my own
+company."
+
+"Coward!"
+
+Reynolds had partly turned as this word smote him like a knife.  He
+wheeled in an instant and faced Curly.
+
+"Did you refer to me?" he asked.  His eyes spoke danger, and the
+muscles of his body were tense.  But Curly did not heed the signs; he
+had thrown caution to the winds.
+
+"I did," he replied.  "And I repeat it, 'Coward!' for that is what----"
+
+Curly never finished the sentence, for a rigid fist caught him suddenly
+under the right jaw, and sent him reeling backward upon a small table.
+Recovering himself as speedily as possible, and wild with pain and
+rage, he ripped forth a revolver from a hip-pocket.  A dead silence
+pervaded the room, like a calm before a storm.  And during that silence
+something unexpected happened.  It was not the report of the revolver,
+but the angry growl of a dog, the spitting of a cat, the bleat of a
+sheep, and the crow of a cock.
+
+"Gr-r-r-r, ps-s-s-s, ba-a-a-a, cock-a-doodle-do-o-o."
+
+So incongruous did the peculiar sounds appear, that all stared in
+amazement.  Then when they beheld Frontier Samson standing near the
+door, their faces broadened into knowing grins, followed by hearty
+outbursts of laughter.
+
+The prospector walked at once over to where Curly was standing, and
+laid his big right hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"What's all this about?" he asked.  "In trouble agin, eh?"
+
+"I've been insulted by _that_?" and Curly motioned to Reynolds.
+
+"An' so yer goin' to shoot?"
+
+"I certainly am, so leave me alone."
+
+"An unarmed man?"
+
+"What in h---- do I care whether he's armed or unarmed?"
+
+"H'm, I guess ye'd care if he had a gun in his hands."
+
+"Let him do it, Samson."  It was Reynolds speaking.  "An unarmed man is
+the only one he would try to shoot.  He took mighty good care to keep
+out of range of the German guns during the war."
+
+"You're a liar," Curly yelled, for the taunt stung him to the quick.
+
+"Then the lie is on your own bead," was the quiet reply.  "You and
+others have made the boast that you hid in the mountains and could not
+be caught when men were so sorely needed at the Front.  If it's a lie,
+then you lied first, so don't blame me."
+
+Curly's only response was to raise his revolver and fire.  But Samson's
+hand struck the weapon in time to divert the aim, and no harm was done.
+
+"Thar, that's enough of sich nonsense."  The old prospector's voice was
+more than usually stern.  "I'm not goin' to stand here an' see a man
+shot down in cold blood by the likes of you, Curly.  The chap ye want
+to kill is worth ten of you any day.  An' as fer shootin', why, ye
+wouldn't have a peek in with him if he had a gun."
+
+"Give him one, then, and see how he can shoot," was the surly reply.
+
+"But give me that first," and Samson laid his hand upon Curly's
+revolver.
+
+"What for?"
+
+"Never mind; I'll explain later, so jist let go.  Thar, that's better,"
+he commented when Curly had reluctantly obeyed.  "Now, look here, I've
+got a suggestion to make.  Let's settle this racket outside.  It's no
+use practisin' on human bodies which the Lord made fer something more
+important.  Whiskey bottles will do as well, an' the more ye smash of
+them the better, to my way of thinkin'.  So s'pose we stick several of
+'em up an' let you two crack away at 'em.  That's the best way to find
+out who's the real marksman.  Anyone got a rifle handy?"
+
+This suggestion was not at all to Curly's liking.  He preferred to have
+matters all his own way, and his opponent completely at his mercy.  But
+Frontier Samson, as well as all the miners present, decided otherwise,
+and so Curly was forced to bow to the inevitable.
+
+The men entered enthusiastically into this shooting-test, and in a few
+minutes three bottles were stuck upon a stump about fifty yards off.  A
+rifle was procured, which Samson at once handed to Curly.
+
+"Now, shoot, ye beggar," he ordered.  "Here's the chance to show what
+ye kin do."
+
+Curly's hand trembled as he took the weapon.  The miners crowded around
+and assailed him with various remarks.
+
+"Go to it, Curly," one encouraged.  "Ye were always good at hitting the
+bottle."
+
+"But not so far away," another bantered.  "Curly likes it near, and
+full, at that."
+
+Curly looked as if he would have liked to turn the rifle upon the men
+instead of the bottles.  He was angry, and an angry man is always at a
+great disadvantage, especially where a steady nerve is needed.  He
+accordingly fired wild, and when, the third shot had been made, the
+bottles remained untouched.
+
+During this performance Reynolds had been standing silently by,
+apparently the least concerned of all.  He felt annoyed at the trouble
+which had occurred, and he was anxious that Curly should be taught a
+salutary lesson.  He picked up the rifle from the ground where his
+opponent had flung it in his rage, and brought it to his shoulder.  He
+never felt calmer in his life as he took a quick and steady aim.
+Thrice he pulled the trigger, and each time a bottle crashed to the
+ground, while the excited miners cheered and shouted themselves hoarse.
+
+When he was through, Reynolds quietly handed the rifle to Frontier
+Samson.  Then he turned to Curly.
+
+"Are you satisfied now?" he asked, "or do you want some more shooting?
+If so, I am ready."
+
+With an oath, Curly turned upon his heel, and was about to walk away,
+when the old prospector laid a firm hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"Jist a minute, young man," he ordered.  "I want to give ye a word of
+advice, which ye kin take or leave as ye see fit.  Ye've made a
+miserable fool of yerself today, though it isn't the first time ye've
+done it, not by a long chalk.  If ye want to git along in this camp,
+stow that nasty temper of yours, an' mind yer own bizness.  This young
+feller wasn't interferin' with you one bit.  The devil was in ye, an'
+ye had to spit it out on somebody.  Ye better be more keerful in the
+future, as I mightn't allus be around to check ye on yer rampage."
+
+"But he hit me," Curly growled.
+
+"Sure he did, an' wouldn't anyone with the least grain of spunk in him
+do the same if he'd been called a coward fer nuthin'?  This young chap
+is no coward, let me tell ye that.  He did more'n his bit over in
+France when you was hidin' away in the hills.  Oh, I know all about it,
+an' whar ye was an' what ye was doin'.  Why, this chap ye wanted to
+shoot has more scars on his body an' more medals to his credit than you
+have toes an' fingers.  An' yit ye called him a coward!  I guess the
+men here know purty well by this time who is the coward an' who isn't.
+Thar, that's all I have to say, so ye may go.  I'm sick of the sight of
+ye."
+
+Curly was angry, but so fierce and powerful did the old prospector look
+that he did not dare to reply.  He slunk away, leaving the miners
+greatly amused at his defeat.  But Frontier Samson was not amused, for
+he knew Curly better than any of the men gathered there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+LOVE VERSUS GOLD
+
+The next day Reynolds spent as usual out in the hills, though he did no
+hunting.  When not stretched out upon the ground, he was wandering
+aimlessly around wherever his spirit listed.  He had no more interest
+in the mountain sheep, and he passed several fine flocks without firing
+a shot.  His thoughts were elsewhere, upon game of far greater
+importance.  He had spent a sleepless night, for Curly's action not
+only annoyed but disgusted him.  He did not wish to remain near such a
+cur, and the sooner he left, the better it would be for both of them.
+His only desire was to be left alone, and that seemed impossible so
+long as he stayed at Big Draw.  But where could he go, and what should
+he do?  Had he not met Glen Weston it would be an easy task to leave
+the north at once.  But since she was here, and just beyond the hills,
+he could not bear the thought of going away without seeing her again.
+
+As he lay under a big tree, there suddenly came into his mind the old
+fairy tale of "The Sleeping Beauty and the Enchanted Palace."  He
+smiled as he recalled it now, for was not he himself something like the
+young knight who faced all manner of difficulties and won the prize?
+But the knight of the fairy tale did not have to contend with a
+desperate father and a tribe of Indians, as all the people connected
+with the ancient story were asleep.  This was a much more difficult
+undertaking, and a greater adventure by far.  It stirred his blood as
+he thought of it, making him anxious to be away upon the quest.
+
+It was about the middle of the afternoon when he at length made his way
+to the ravine where he had met Glen the previous day.  There was just
+the slightest chance that he might see her again, for something he had
+detected in her eyes encouraged him in the belief that she looked upon
+him with favor.  But when he reached the place no sign of life could he
+behold.  He went to the spot where he had left the grizzly half buried
+beneath the rocks and earth.  To his surprise no sign of the bear was
+to be seen.  No doubt the Indians had been sent to recover the animal
+for its skin and meat.  Had Glen come with them? he wondered, to show
+where the animal had fallen?  Such an idea was feasible, and he chided
+himself for not being there early in the day when he might have again
+met her.
+
+Going to the tree on the bank where he had first beheld the girl on
+horseback, he threw himself down upon the ground and kept his eyes
+fixed upon the trail across the ravine.  He still cherished the hope
+that she might reappear, and this would be the best place to see her.
+His earnest longings, however, were of no avail, for no sign of the
+girl could he behold.  Birds flitted here and there, while a great
+eagle alighted upon a rocky pinnacle and eyed him curiously and
+somewhat suspiciously.
+
+"If I only had your power of flight, my fine fellow," Reynolds mused,
+"it would not take me long to go beyond the Golden Crest.  I wonder why
+human beings were made the most helpless of all creatures?  We are
+endowed with aspirations, yet how often they come to naught for lack of
+power to achieve them.  But I shall achieve mine.  If I have not the
+wings of an eagle, I have the mind of a man, as well as strength of
+body.  I shall go to her, no matter what obstacles intervene."  He rose
+from his reclining position and began to descend the bank.  He had gone
+but half way, when, happening to glance once more across the ravine, he
+was surprised to see an Indian mounted upon a horse far up the trail.
+Both horse and rider were motionless until Reynolds' eyes rested upon
+them, when they vanished as if by magic.  He gazed in amazement,
+thinking that perhaps he had seen a vision.  But look as he might,
+nothing more could he see, and, much mystified, he continued on his way
+back to Big Draw.
+
+Reynolds' mind was now fully made up.  The day of meditation spent in
+the hills had proven beneficial.  He would at once undertake the
+venture, and find out what lay beyond the Golden Crest.  He would be
+the knight of the fairy tale, and either win or die in the attempt to
+win the Princess of his heart and mind.
+
+So much was Glen in Reynolds' thoughts that he could think of little
+else.  He visioned her mounted upon her horse, facing the grizzly.
+What a picture she would make!  Never before had he beheld such a
+scene, and his fingers burned to sketch her as she now stood out clear
+and distinct in his mind.
+
+Producing a pencil and a sheet of his scanty supply of paper, he was
+soon at work before the door of his tent.  The bottom of a biscuit box,
+placed at the proper angle on the stump of a jack-pine, formed his
+easel.  Perched upon another box, he was soon busily engaged upon the
+outline of what was to be his masterpiece.  Forgotten was everything
+else as he sat there, devoting all the energy of heart, mind, and hand
+to the work before him.  The miners might delve for gold; Curly and his
+companions might gamble to their hearts' content; such things were
+nothing to him.  He had struck a vein of wealth, the true gold of love,
+by the side of which all the treasures of earth were as dross.
+
+And as he worked, a shadow suddenly fell across the picture.  Looking
+quickly up, he was surprised to see Frontier Samson standing quietly by
+his side, looking intently upon the sketch.
+
+"You startled me," and Reynolds gave a slight laugh, feeling for the
+instant a sense of embarrassment.
+
+"Caught in the act, eh?" the prospector queried.
+
+"It seems so, doesn't it?  I wasn't expecting company."
+
+"Oh, I don't mean you, young man.  I was thinkin' of her," and Samson
+pointed to the picture.  "Where did ye ketch her?"
+
+"Out on the hills.  Isn't she wonderful?"
+
+"Mebbe she is an' mebbe she isn't," was the cautious reply.
+
+"Have you any doubt about it?" Reynolds somewhat impatiently asked.
+
+"Wall, no, I s'pose not.  I'll take yer word fer it."
+
+"But can't you see for yourself, man, what she is?"
+
+"H'm, d'ye expect me to see what you do in that picter?"
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Simply 'cause I'm not as young as you are.  Now that," and he pointed
+to the sketch, "doesn't tell me much.  I see some drawin's thar of a
+gal on horseback, but they don't show me the gal herself.  They don't
+tell me anything about the sound of her voice, the look in her eyes,
+nor the heavin' of her buzom.  I can't see what her mind's like, nor
+her heart, fer that matter.  Them's the things ye can't draw, an'
+them's the things by which I judge a gal."
+
+"But good gracious! if you saw her only once you would know what she's
+like; the most wonderful creature in the whole world.  Heaven and earth
+must have combined in bestowing upon her their choicest graces."
+
+"When did ye see her like that?" and Samson again motioned to the
+sketch.
+
+"Yesterday; out in the hills."
+
+"On horseback?"
+
+"Yes, and face to face with a grizzly."
+
+"A grizzly!"
+
+"It certainly was, and a monster, too.  My! you should have seen the
+way she handled her horse when the brute was coming toward her.  Some
+day I am going to sketch her as she looked when the horse was rearing
+backward.  This drawing merely shows her in repose when last I saw her."
+
+"An' what happened to the grizzly?" the old man queried.
+
+"Oh, a bullet hit him, that was all, and he took a header into the
+ravine below."
+
+"It did!  An' whar did the bullet come from?  Jist dropped down by
+accident at the right moment, I s'pose."
+
+Reynolds merely smiled at the prospector's words, and offered no
+explanation.
+
+"Modest, eh?" and Samson chuckled.  "No more trouble to knock over a
+grizzly than it was to smash three whiskey bottles without winkin'.  I
+like yer coolness, young man.  Now, some fellers 'ud have blatted it
+all over camp in no time.  An' that happened yesterday, so ye say?"
+
+"Yes; toward evening."
+
+"An' the gal was thar all alone?"
+
+"It seems so.  I wanted to go home with her, but she would not let me."
+
+"She wouldn't!  An' why not?"
+
+"She said it wasn't safe for me to go beyond the Golden Crest."
+
+"Did she give any reason?"
+
+"None at all, and that's what makes me curious."
+
+"About what?"
+
+"What lies beyond the Golden Crest.  The spirit of adventure is on me,
+and I intend to make the attempt to find out for myself about the
+mystery surrounding that place."
+
+"Ye do!  Didn't the gal say it wasn't safe?"
+
+"All the greater reason, then, why I should go.  If that girl will not
+come to me, I am going to her.  Death is the worst that can happen to
+me, and I would rather die than live without Glen Weston."
+
+"Ye've got it bad, haven't ye?" and Samson smiled.  "But mebbe she's
+got the fever, too, since yesterday, an' has been back to the ravine to
+see if you was thar."
+
+"Perhaps she did, but I was too late.  I was there this afternoon, and
+saw no one except an Indian on horseback.  The bear, too, was gone."
+
+"Ye saw an Injun, ye say?  What was he doin'?"
+
+"Merely sitting upon his horse at the top of the trail.  But he
+vanished just as soon as I glimpsed him."
+
+"An' the bear was gone, too, did ye say?"
+
+"Yes; nothing left of it.  I suppose the Indians came for it.  Perhaps
+Glen was with them, and so I missed another chance of seeing her."
+
+During this conversation Frontier Samson had been standing.  But now he
+sat down upon the ground, and remained for some time in deep thought.
+He filled and lighted his pipe, and smoked in silence, while Reynolds
+continued his work upon the sketch.
+
+"When d'ye expect to leave camp?" Samson at length asked.
+
+But Reynolds made no reply.  He went on steadily with his work, while
+the old man watched him with twinkling eyes.
+
+"Completely gone," he mused.  "Deaf to the world.  Can't hear nuthin'.
+It's a sure sign."
+
+"What's that?  Were you speaking?" Reynolds suddenly asked.
+
+"Speakin'!  Sure.  Why, me tongue's been goin' like a mill-clapper,
+though ye never heard a word I said."
+
+"I was lost, I guess," and Reynolds smiled as he turned toward the
+sketch.
+
+"So I imagined.  But, then, I fergive ye, fer I was young once meself,
+an' in love, too, so I know all the signs.  I only wanted to know when
+ye expect to hit the trail on yer great adventure?"
+
+"To-morrow," was the emphatic reply.  "This place won't keep me an hour
+longer than I can help.  I am sick of it."
+
+"How d'ye expect to travel?"
+
+"On foot, of course; straight over the mountains."
+
+"D'ye realise the dangers?"
+
+"Dangers are nothing to me; I am used to them."
+
+"But s'pose I should tell ye it's impossible to git behind the Golden
+Crest?"
+
+"Then, I like to do the impossible.  There are plenty to do the
+ordinary things.  I want to do the extraordinary, the so-called
+impossible.  Did you ever hear the song that the Panama Canal diggers
+used to sing to cheer them up?"
+
+"No; what is it?"
+
+"I only know four lines; they go this way:
+
+  "'Got any rivers they say are uncrossable?
+  Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
+  We specialize on the wholly impossible,
+  Doing the things that no man can do.'
+
+"I like those words, and they have heartened me more than once."
+
+"They're sartinly stirrin', an' I like the spirit of 'em," the
+prospector replied.  "But it seems to me that ye've got to use common
+sense as well as spirit.  Now reason tells me that ye need someone to
+help ye in this undertakin' of yours, an' why shouldn't that someone be
+me?"
+
+"You!  Could you help me?" Reynolds eagerly asked.  "Will you go with
+me?"
+
+"I might on a sartin condition."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Nuthin' much, 'cept you'll go with me."
+
+"And why shouldn't I?"
+
+"That's jist the pint about which I ain't sure.  Though you've got the
+feet of a man, yit from what I gather yer heart an' yer head have
+eagle's wings, which'll make ye impatient to foller an old feller like
+me, who ain't as spry as he once was, an' whose jints are somewhat
+stiff."
+
+"Oh, you needn't worry about that," Reynolds laughingly told him.  "I
+hope I have a little sense left yet, although it's quite true what you
+say about my heart and my head having eagle's wings.  You lead on and
+I'll follow like a dog."
+
+"Now, look here, young man, thar's something else I want to put to ye.
+'Twixt two things, one sartin an' t'other unsartin, which will ye
+choose?"
+
+"I do not understand.  Explain what you mean."
+
+"Wall, ye see, it's this way: The findin' that gal on which ye've set
+yer heart is a mighty unsartin proposition.  But thar's another which
+is as sure as the sun, an' about which all the men here in camp, an'
+the hull world fer that matter, would go crazy over if they knew about
+it."
+
+"What is it?'
+
+"It's gold; that's what it is, an' plenty of it, too."
+
+"Where?"  Reynolds' eyes were big with excitement.
+
+"Oh, back in the hills.  I discovered it over a year ago, an' nobody
+knows of it but me."
+
+"Why didn't you report it?"
+
+"H'm, what would be the good of doin' that?  Haven't I seen too many
+gold strikes already, an' what have they amounted to?  Look at this
+camp, fer instance.  The men have come here an' ruined this place.
+They may git some gold, but what good will it do 'em?  They'll gamble
+it, or waste it in other ways.  Oh, I know, fer I've seen it lots of
+times."
+
+"Why, then, are you willing to reveal the secret of your mine to me?"
+Reynolds asked.
+
+"Did I say I was willin'?"
+
+"That is what I inferred from your words."
+
+"I merely asked ye 'twixt which would ye choose: the findin' that gal,
+which is an unsartin proposition, or gittin' the gold, which is as sure
+as the sun.  That's all I asked."
+
+"But if I choose the gold, then your secret will be known, and there
+will be a wild stampede into the place.  You don't want that to happen,
+do you?  It would be the same story of other camps, and perhaps worse."
+
+"No, I don't want it to happen, that's a fact.  But, ye see, it's bound
+to come sooner or later.  Thar are so many men pokin' thar noses into
+every hole an' corner, that they are sure to find my mine before long.
+Now, I want someone to my likin' to be first on the ground, an' that
+someone is you.  Ye kin then make yer choice an' stake two claims as
+discoverer.  Tharfore, which will ye choose, that gal proposition or
+the gold?  It's up to you.  Is it hard to decide?"
+
+"Not at all," was the reply.  "I shall take the girl.  One might run
+across gold any time, but a girl like that one won't find again.  And,
+besides, what good would the gold be to me without her?  I, therefore,
+take the girl proposition."
+
+Samson looked at his companion in surprise, as if he had not heard
+aright.  Here was a phase of character beyond the bounds of his
+experience.
+
+"An' ye don't want the gold?" he asked.
+
+"Certainly I want the gold, who wouldn't?  But you told me I had to
+choose it or the girl, didn't you?"
+
+"I surely did, though I never imagined ye'd throw down the gold.  Now,
+all the fellers I ever met up here would have taken the gold first."
+
+"Feeling sure of getting the girl later; is that it?"
+
+"That's about the gist of it.  They'd tackle what's sartin first, but
+you're willin' to try the unsartin."
+
+"I am, and when can we start?"
+
+"In the morning if it's all the same to you.  We'll need some extry
+grub, which we kin git from Shorty.  We won't want much, as we'll find
+plenty of meat along the way.  We'll hit out before the camp's astir,
+so nobody'll know what's become of us."
+
+"How long will it take us to cross the Golden Crest?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"That depends upon many things.  We might do it in three or four days
+by the way we're goin', or, again, it might take six months, an' mebbe
+longer.  In fact, we might never git thar at all."
+
+"I planned to do it in a couple of days," Reynolds declared.
+
+"I s'pose ye did.  But things don't allus turn out as ye plan,
+'specially if ye undertake to cross the Golden Crest.  Ye see, things
+happen thar quick as lightnin' sometimes, an' if yer lucky enough to
+git off alive, the patchin'-up process might take a long time.  See?"
+
+"I see," Reynolds replied, as he took the sketch from the improvised
+easel, "I have a number of patches on my body already, so a few more
+won't make much difference."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE OUTER TRAIL
+
+A profound silence lay over Big Draw mining camp as Frontier Samson and
+Tom Reynolds slipped quietly away among the hills.  The sun had not yet
+lifted itself above the horizon, but the speediness of its coming was
+heralded in the eastern sky, and the tallest mountain peaks had already
+caught the first shafts of its virgin glory.  The valleys were still
+robed in semi-darkness, and the two wayfarers seemed like mere spectres
+as they sped forward.
+
+"My, this is great!" Reynolds exclaimed as he at length stopped to
+readjust his pack.  "I believe I should live to be a hundred or over if
+I could breathe air like this all the time.  It's a fine tonic."
+
+"It sure is," Samson agreed, as he laid aside his rifle and pulled out
+his pipe.  "Not much like the smell of yer city streets, whar ye
+swaller hundreds of disease germs every second."
+
+"Have you ever lived there?" Reynolds asked, curious to learn something
+of the old man's history.
+
+"Long enough to know what they're like.  I've poked me nose into a good
+many cities, an' they're all the same, to my way of thinkin'.  It's a
+wonder to me why so many people live in sich places, crowded, together
+like sheep, when thar's all this, an' millions of places like it, whar
+ye kin breathe the air as the Lord made it, an' not fouled by the work
+of human bein's."
+
+"You are very fond of this wild life, I see," Reynolds replied.  "Have
+you lived here many years?"
+
+The prospector threw aside his burnt match, gave his pack an extra
+hitch, picked up his rifle and moved forward.
+
+"Guess we'd better git on," he said.  "Thar's a little brook we want to
+reach in time fer dinner.  Ye don't find much water in these valleys."
+
+Reynolds moved along by his companion's side, wondering why he did not
+answer his question.  It was not until they were eating their dinner by
+the side of the brook did Samson vouchsafe any information.
+
+"Ye asked me if I've been long in this country," he began.  "My reply
+may seem strange to you, but it's true.  Judgin' by years, I've been
+here a long time, but, accordin' to life, only a little while.  I uster
+reckon things by years, but I don't do that any longer."
+
+"No?"  Reynolds looked quizzically at his companion.
+
+"I don't count time by years, young man, an' the sooner ye larn to do
+the same the better it'll be fer ye.  In the cities ye find clocks an'
+watches everywhere, an' they all remind people that time is passin'.
+Ye kin hardly walk along a street hut ye'll see funeral processions,
+an' the doctors are busy with the sick.  Big hospitals are crowded with
+patients, an' accidents happen every minute of the day.  These all tell
+that life is brief an' unsartin.  The feelin' gits in the blood an' on
+the nerves that death is right near, an' as people think, so they are.
+Age an' health are accordin' to the mind, an' don't ye ever fergit
+that."
+
+Samson paused and looked around.
+
+"See them big mountains," and he pointed away to the left.  "A man kin
+never feel old with them on every side.  They don't remind ye of the
+passin' of time an' of dyin'.  They're jist the same as they were
+thousands of years ago.  An' so it's purty much like that with other
+things up here.  I never feel old when I look around me on the
+wonderful sights; I feel young.  An' why shouldn't I?  Thar's so much
+to do, an' so many things to see an' larn that I haven't time to think
+of dyin'.  Life after all, as I said, ain't to be judged by years, but
+by love of livin'."
+
+Samson seemed to be on his pet theme, and he continued his talk as he
+and Reynolds again resumed their journey.  Several times the latter
+endeavored to find out something about the old man's past history, but
+all in vain.  The prospector gave him not the slightest information
+concerning himself, but discoursed volubly about the difference between
+the ways of the city and the wilderness.
+
+"Money ain't everything," he declared, "even though some seem to think
+it is.  It has its uses, I acknowledge, but it was never meant to
+starve the soul, though that is jist what it too often does.  I know of
+men who sacrificed everything to the pilin' up of money, even love,
+without which life ain't worth a straw."
+
+"Have you been able to find love here in the north?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Thar are different kinds of love, young man," was the somewhat slow
+and thoughtful reply.  "The brand you mean, if I understand ye aright,
+I've never experienced in this country, an' in fact, I never expect to
+find it agin on this side of the grave.  It's the pure love of a true
+man fer a good woman, I mean.  I believe you have it, an' yer to be
+congratulated.  It's the most wonderful thing in life.  Even the love
+of children, though it is great, kin never equal it.  It's in a class
+all by itself."
+
+"But suppose the love isn't mutual, what then?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"That'd be a pity, an' no mistake.  Are ye referrin' to yer own case?"
+
+"I certainly am.  I am positive that the only woman in the world I want
+cares nothing for me.  She does not even know my name, while I--oh,
+well, you know how I feel toward her."
+
+"Jist keep up courage an' plod along, that's my advice.  If she's meant
+fer you, ye'll win her all right.  I'm a great believer in the idea
+that our own'll come to us some day, an' often in ways we least expect.
+But, hello! what's that?"
+
+The trail on which they were now walking wound along the side of a deep
+valley, through which flowed a small stream.  Samson was looking across
+toward the opposite bank, and as Reynolds turned his eyes in that
+direction he saw an Indian on horseback as motionless as the trees
+around him.  He was facing the two travellers, and apparently he had
+been watching them for some time.
+
+"Where do you suppose he has come from, and what does he want?"
+Reynolds asked.
+
+His companion's only reply was to bring his rifle to his shoulder and
+fire two shots in rapid succession across the valley toward the
+horseman, neither of which took effect.  The Indian quickly unslung his
+rifle, fired one shot in return, and immediately vanished into the
+forest.
+
+"Is that the best you can do?" Reynolds asked.  "You should have let me
+have a crack at him."
+
+"Me aim's unsartin to-day," was the reply.  "I don't allus miss like
+that."
+
+"But why did you shoot, anyway?  The Indian was doing us no harm."
+
+"He was skulkin' around, though, an' I jist gave him a hint to move
+along."
+
+"So you didn't intend to shoot him?"
+
+"Oh, no.  It was merely a hint, as I told ye."
+
+"A queer hint, I should say," and Reynolds laughed.  "Manners of the
+wilderness, I suppose?"
+
+"Sure.  We don't stand on ceremony up here.  We're a bluff bunch, an'
+if we don't like a feller's company we tell him so without beatin'
+around the bush."
+
+"And did the Indian understand your meaning?"
+
+"Y'bet he did.  He took my shots as sayin', 'Good day.  How are the
+missus an' the kids?  Mebbe they need ye.'  His shot in reply jist
+said, 'Thank ye; mebbe they do.'  That was all."
+
+Reynolds laughed at this quaint explanation, although he felt certain
+that Samson was not telling him the truth.  He said nothing about it,
+however, and the prospector did not refer to it again.  But Reynolds
+had the feeling that his companion and the Indian understood each
+other, and that the shots they had fired were signals, the meaning of
+which was known only to themselves.  Who was this Frontier Samson? he
+mused.  Was he in some manner in league with the Indians?  Why had he
+taken such an interest in him, a complete stranger, and a chechahco at
+that?  Why should he wish to reveal to him the secret of his gold
+discovery?  He could not for a moment think that Samson had any evil
+purpose in mind, but as he thought it all over during the remainder of
+the afternoon, he felt that there was something very peculiar and
+mysterious about it all.
+
+This feeling was intensified that first night on the trail.  They
+camped by a little stream, where the trees stood thick, and larger than
+on the uplands.  They had shot a couple of grouse on their way, and
+these Samson prepared for supper.
+
+"I'll jist cook both of 'em," he remarked, "an' what we don't eat
+to-night will be fine warmed up to-morrow."
+
+"I should like to get a moose," Reynolds declared.  "I haven't shot one
+since I came north."
+
+"Don't do it, young man, unless ye kin git nuthin' else," Samson
+advised.  "A moose is a purty big animal, an' we could tote only a
+little piece of its carcass.  The rest we'd have to leave to spile.
+I've allus made a practice of shootin' something that I kin clean up in
+a few meals.  Some critters, who call 'emselves men, shoot everything
+in sight, an' leave it to spile.  That is wasteful slaughter, an' not
+true sport."
+
+Reynolds was glad to roll himself up in his blanket that night, for he
+was tired after his day's tramp, with a heavy pack on his back.  Samson
+did likewise, and soon silence reigned in the deep forest, broken only
+by the ripple of the brook a short distance away.  It was a calm night,
+mild, and with not a breath of wind astir.
+
+Some time during the night Reynolds awoke with a start.  He sat up and
+looked around.  It was light enough for him to see that his companion
+was gone, and he believed that it was his footsteps that had aroused
+him.  After waiting for some time and nothing happened, he once again
+stretched himself out upon the ground.  But he could not sleep.  What
+was the meaning of Samson's departure? he wondered.  Had it anything to
+do with the Indian they had seen that day across the ravine?  The more
+he thought of it, the more mystified he became.  How long he thus lay
+there with every sense alert, he did not know, though it seemed a long
+time before the prospector at last returned.  Reynolds pretended that
+he was asleep, but his suspicions were now firmly confirmed when the
+old man bent over him for a few seconds as if to make sure that he was
+not awake.
+
+Reynolds did not refer to the incident the next day, and Samson made no
+mention of it.  The latter was in excellent spirits, and talked freely
+as they moved on their way.  That night they halted, and made ready
+their camp by the side of a small lake.  It was a peaceful and
+beautiful spot.  Not a ripple ruffled the surface of the water, and the
+trees along the shore were mirrored in the clear depths.  Reynolds was
+delighted, and he expressed his admiration to his companion.
+
+"Isn't this great!" he exclaimed.  "I have never seen anything to equal
+it!  It is a matchless gem, with a perfect setting."
+
+"Yes, it sartinly is wonderful," the prospector drawled.  "An' I'm glad
+ye like it.  Guess thar should be ducks over yonder," and he motioned
+to the upper end of the lake.  "A good fat feller'd be nice fer dinner
+to-morrow."
+
+Picking up his rifle, he disappeared among the trees, and in another
+minute his light tread was unheard.  Reynolds stood for some time
+viewing the scene before him.  He longed for his paints and brushes
+that he might catch the impressions ere they faded.  Unfortunately he
+had left them behind, so he had to satisfy himself with feasting his
+soul instead.
+
+At length he turned and walked back to their camping ground.  He had
+just reached the place when a magnificent moose trotted majestically by
+but a short distance away.  Forgotten was Samson's admonition about the
+shooting of big game, so seizing his rifle, he slipped quickly and
+quietly after the big animal.  The latter had already passed out of
+sight, but expecting to catch a glimpse of it at any instant, Reynolds
+hastened forward.  This led him down into a valley, and there he saw
+the moose in a small open clearing to the left.  Before he was near
+enough to shoot, the animal once more vanished among the trees.  The
+fever of the chase was now upon him, and unheeding his bearings, he
+pressed rapidly on, expecting every minute to come in sight of the
+lordly creature.  But he was doomed to disappointment, and most
+reluctantly he was compelled to relinquish the pursuit.
+
+Reynolds had no definite idea how far he had travelled, nor the
+direction he had taken.  So intent had he been upon following the
+moose, that he had lost all trace of his bearings, and he knew not the
+way back to the camp.  This was a most disquieting situation, and he
+chided himself for his stupidity.  Night was also upon him, and this
+added to his perplexity.
+
+"What a mess I have made of it!" he growled.  "In this labyrinth of
+valleys, hills, trees, and wild meadows, how in the name of common
+sense am I to find that speck of camping ground?  It must lie over
+there," and he looked away to his right.  "The sun was before me when I
+started, and by keeping due east I should come somewhere near the
+place."
+
+For over an hour he plowed his way through the forest, up hill and
+down, each moment expecting to see the lake for which he was searching.
+His efforts, however, were all in vain, so wearied almost to the point
+of exhaustion, and with clothes torn, hands and face bleeding, he was
+forced to give up for the night.
+
+Sinking upon the ground, he tried to calm the agitated state of his
+mind.  From the first he had realised his serious predicament, and how
+difficult it would be to extricate himself from that vast wilderness.
+
+"I can't go any farther to-night," he declared, "so I might as well
+make the best of a bad affair.  I have my rifle, and that's some
+comfort.  I needn't starve, anyway, even though I am lost."
+
+He felt for his cartridge belt, and immediately he gave a great start
+of dismay.  It was not there!  Then he remembered that he had taken it
+off when pitching camp that night by the shore of the lake.  With
+trembling hands he next examined the magazine of his rifle, and found
+that but three cartridges were left, as he had fired two shots in the
+hope of attracting Frontier Samson's attention.  This was a serious
+situation, and he realised that upon those three remaining cartridges
+his life depended.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+ADRIFT IN THE WILDERNESS
+
+Nowhere, perhaps, except adrift in mid-ocean, is the sense of
+loneliness more appalling than to be lost in a labyrinthine forest of
+the mighty north.  Even upon the ocean there is always the chance of
+being picked up by a passing vessel.  But lost in the wilderness!
+hidden from view, what hope can the stoutest heart entertain of rescue?
+Here a man is but a thing of naught, an insect creeping upon the
+ground, a mere speck, the veritable plaything of chance.
+
+Reynolds, however, was well hardened to desperate situations.  Often in
+France he had been alone in "No Man's Land," with death close at hand.
+He had never flinched then, and he was determined that he would not do
+so now.
+
+"I told Harmon that I like adventure and desperate undertakings," he
+mused.  "I have certainly enough here to satisfy me for a while.  But
+it can't be helped, and so I must make the best of it.  Rest is what I
+need at present, and I am not going to worry about to-morrow.  'One
+thing at a time' has been my motto, and I guess it's a good one."
+
+He awoke early the next morning, though the sun was up ahead of him.
+He sprang to his feet and peered around.  But nothing could he see,
+except trees on every side.
+
+"I must get out of this," he muttered, "and strike for the high hills.
+Perhaps there I may be able to get my proper bearings.  I must find a
+breakfast somewhere, but with my scanty supply of ammunition, it is
+necessary to be careful."
+
+Picking up his rifle, he started forth, and for several hours moved
+steadily onward.  Through a break in the forest he had caught sight of
+a high hill, and toward this he laboriously made his way.  He had to
+descend first into a deep valley, where a large wild meadow offered an
+inviting feeding-ground for moose.  But not a sign of life could he
+see, and greatly disappointed he was forced to begin the hard climb up
+the opposite side of the hill.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon he succeeded in shooting a rabbit,
+which he at once skinned and broiled over a small fire.  He was weak
+from hunger and hard, anxious travelling, so this food gave him much
+refreshment.  He ate sparingly, nevertheless, knowing that he might not
+be able to procure anything more for supper.  With only two cartridges
+left, his outlook was far from encouraging.
+
+When the summit of the hill was at length reached, he climbed a large
+fir tree from which he was enabled to obtain an excellent view of the
+surrounding country.  Far off rose great snow-capped mountain peaks,
+over which fleecy clouds were lazily drifting.  A vast sea of forest
+stretched on every side, broken here and there by placid, shimmering
+lakes.  But which was the one near the camp where Frontier Samson was
+no doubt anxiously awaiting the wanderer's return?  That was the
+question which agitated Reynolds' mind.  No sign of human life could he
+behold, and he wondered in which direction Big Draw mining camp lay.
+So completely had he lost his bearings that he had no idea which was
+the right course to pursue.  Anyway, it was necessary to keep on the
+move, for to remain where he was meant certain death.  If he must die,
+he would die fighting, game to the very last.  Surely beyond some of
+those outstanding hills he could find a river, which would bear him out
+of that wilderness maze.  A high crest to the left looked promising,
+and toward this he at once started.
+
+He slept that night in a valley by a little brook which gurgled down to
+a lake beyond.  The remains of the rabbit served him for supper, and
+where was he to obtain his next meal?  He had startled several grouse
+during the day, and once he detected the plunging of a moose.  But
+nothing came within the range of his rifle except a few noisy
+squirrels, but upon these he did not dare to waste his two remaining
+cartridges.  In his extremity he would have welcomed the sight of a
+bear, and even a grizzly at that.  He could then afford to exhaust his
+ammunition, as the flesh of a bear would last him for many days.  But
+no bear had he met, although signs of them were at times abundant,
+especially in the valleys.
+
+The next morning in a mood of desperation, he took a long shot at a
+flying grouse and missed it.  One cartridge now remained, and it was
+absolutely necessary to reserve that for something large.  Down the
+valley lay a big wide meadow, and here he believed he might find a
+moose feeding.  It was worth trying, at any rate.  Walking warily along
+the edge of the forest, he was at length rewarded by seeing a fine
+animal some distance off on the opposite side of the meadow.  Reynolds
+instantly stopped, and his hands trembled through the excitement of his
+discovery.  If he could get a little closer he felt sure that the moose
+would be his.  But just as he took a few steps forward, the animal
+lifted its great head and sniffed the air.  There was not a second to
+lose, so bringing the rifle to his shoulder, he took a quick aim and
+fired.  With a startled snort, the moose reared, staggered, and then
+with tremendous leaps bounded across the twenty or thirty yards of
+intervening meadow and vanished in the forest.  Reynolds could hear it
+crashing its way among the trees as he hurried out into the open.  The
+sounds grew fainter and fainter, and finally ceased.  The animal had
+made good its escape, although evidently wounded.
+
+Reynolds' previous discouragement was nothing to what he experienced
+now.  He moved mechanically toward the spot where the moose had been
+grazing.  Why he did so he could not tell.  He reached the border of
+the forest, and flung himself down upon the grass.  With his last
+cartridge gone, what chance had he of life?  He had been in many a dire
+strait in the past, but nothing to equal this.  He was face to face
+with death, more surely and in a far more terrible form than he had
+ever encountered in far off France.
+
+"This is certainly 'No Man's Land,'" he muttered.  "I do not believe a
+human being ever trod this region before and it is not likely that
+anyone will come here during the next one hundred years.  And to think
+that I missed that shot when my life depended upon it!  It must be my
+nerves."
+
+A feeling of annoyance swept upon him, and picking up his rifle, he
+hurled it among the trees.
+
+"Lie there," he ordered.  "You are of no use to me now, and I have no
+strength to tote you along."
+
+Then he laughed, and the hollow sound of his voice startled him.  He
+sprang to his feet and looked around.  Why had he laughed? he asked
+himself.  Was he going out of his mind?  He glanced at his hands and
+shuddered, so bruised and bleeding were they.  His clothes, too, were
+in tatters, while his boots were so worn that portions of his feet were
+visible.
+
+For a few minutes he stood rigidly still, as if in a dream.  The
+intense loneliness of the place was appalling.  It was unnerving him,
+and he was losing control of himself.  Suddenly he started and ran as
+if for life, back over the track he had recently traversed.  He was no
+longer the Tom Reynolds who had started forth from Big Draw, but a
+denizen of the wilds.  The desire for food possessed him.  It made him
+mad, a demon, ready to fall upon any creature that crossed his path.
+He was crafty as well, and reaching the shelter of the forest, he
+glided cautiously along the edge of the meadow, up toward the little
+brook where he had slept the night before.  No tiger creeping through
+the jungle moved more stealthily than did he.  Nothing escaped his
+notice, and he eagerly watched for rabbit or squirrel that he might
+pounce upon it.
+
+For some time he thus advanced, but nothing could he see.  At length he
+came to an opening in the trees, which exposed the brook plainly to
+view.  His eyes swept the stream, and as they did so they presently
+rested upon a black object crouched upon a fallen tree projecting out
+over the brook.  He recognized it at once as a black bear, watching for
+fish.  It was lying flat on the log, with one big paw close to the
+water waiting for its breakfast.
+
+Reynolds' first impulse was to rush forward and engage the brute in a
+deadly conflict.  But a natural caution restrained him, and he
+accordingly waited to see what would happen.  Neither did he have to
+wait long, for in a twinkling the big paw struck, the water splashed,
+and a shiny form hurtled through the air, and fell several yards away.
+And after it sprang the bear, but his body had scarcely left the log
+ere Reynolds was bounding toward him with such yells and whoops that
+the forest resounded on all sides.  Startled and surprised beyond
+measure, the bear paused and looked back.  Seeing, but not
+understanding the strange creature rushing toward him with wildly
+waving arms, and emitting such blood-curdling yells, it uttered a
+hoarse growl of fear and rage and lumbered off for the shelter of the
+forest as fast as its legs would carry it.
+
+Reynolds paid no more attention to the bear than if it had been a gnat,
+but sprang greedily upon the fish, which was wriggling and beating
+itself around upon the ground.  It was a young king-salmon, and
+although not large, Reynolds thought it the finest fish he had ever
+beheld.  It did not take him long to despatch his prize, and in a few
+minutes a portion of it was sizzling over a small fire he had lighted.
+Never had any food tasted so good, he imagined, and the strength thus
+gained brought back his normal state of mind.  He felt more like
+himself, and ready for another effort to free himself from his
+wilderness prison.  He even smiled as he thought of the bear's fright
+and its ignominious retreat.
+
+"Lost your breakfast, old boy, didn't you?" he called out.  "You
+weren't expecting company, were you?  But I am grateful to you, and
+wish you better luck next time."
+
+Taking with him the remainder of the fish, Reynolds once more continued
+his journey.  The high ridge was a long way off, and before it could be
+reached it would be necessary to cross several smaller hills and a
+number of valleys.  But with strength renewed, he sped onward.
+
+All through the day the heat had been almost over-powering.  It poured
+its hot rays full upon him, and not a breath of wind stirred the trees.
+He was about half way up the high hill when the weather suddenly
+changed.  The sky darkened, and the wind began to howl through the
+forest.  Great black clouds massed in vast battalions overhead, and in
+less than half an hour the storm burst.
+
+Reynolds had paused on a rocky ledge as the tempest swept upon him.
+Never before had he experienced such a storm.  It seemed as if the very
+windows of heaven had suddenly opened to deluge the earth.  He looked
+hurriedly around for shelter, and seeing an overhanging portion of
+rock, he at once made his way thither, and crouched low for protection.
+The rain, however, swirled in after him, forcing him to move farther
+back.  That he was able to do this surprised him, and feeling with his
+hands, he discovered that there was a big open space to the rear, and
+that he was at the entrance of a cave, how large he did not know.
+Fortunately he was provided with a good supply of matches, so striking
+one, he examined his new abode.  The brief feeble light showed that the
+cave was about a foot higher than his head, and much larger than he had
+supposed.  He had no inclination to explore it just then, for some dry
+sticks lying at his feet arrested his attention.  He was hungry after
+his hard tramp, so a piece of salmon would be most acceptable.
+
+It did not take him long to light a small fire as near the mouth of the
+cave as the rain would permit, and, prepare his meal.  The fire felt
+good, too, for the air was damp and chilly.
+
+"I might as well spend the night here," he mused, "for even if the
+storm does let up, I would only get soaked from the drenched trees.
+And, besides, I cannot see anything from the top of the hill until the
+clouds roll away and the air clears."
+
+He ate the nicely browned piece of fish, and when he had finished he
+leaned comfortably back, filled and lighted his pipe.  This was the
+first time he had thought of smoking since leaving Frontier Samson.  He
+wondered where the old prospector was, and whether he was hunting
+frantically for his lost companion.  His mind turned naturally to Glen.
+He was farther from her now than ever, and should he see her again?
+The thought of her had stimulated him during his recent terrible
+experiences.  Over and over again she seemed to be standing by his
+side, urging him to go on, and renewing his fainting spirits.  He
+pictured her now as he had last seen her at the top of that steep
+trail, mounted upon her horse.  He recalled for the thousandth time her
+clear musical voice, the bright flash of her eyes, and the deep flush
+which had mantled her cheeks at the mention of Curly's name.
+
+"I must find her," he emphatically declared, as he stirred up the
+dwindling fire, and added a couple of sticks.  "I expected to be with
+her before this, but here I am, lodged like a bear in this dismal hole."
+
+He glanced around the cave, and as he did so, he gave a sudden start.
+Something in one side of the wall where the fire-light fell attracted
+his attention.  It made his heart beat fast, and brought him to his
+feet in an instant.  His hand reached up and touched it.  Then he
+quickly struck a match, and examined it more carefully.  Yes, he was
+right, and he had made no mistake.  It was gold!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN
+
+For a few seconds Reynolds stared upon his new discovery.  Then he
+examined the walls elsewhere, and no matter where he looked, he found
+nuggets of gold protruding from the earth.  His excitement now became
+intense, and seizing a burning stick he began to explore the cave.
+Everywhere it was the same.  The earth beneath his feet was even filled
+with nuggets, and, they gleamed upon him from overhead.  He felt that
+he must be dreaming, or else his terrible experiences of late had
+turned his brain.  Could it be possible that he had accidentally
+stumbled upon a vein of the precious metal, rich beyond the wildest
+bounds of imagination!  He put his hand to his face, and even pinched
+himself to make sure that he was awake.
+
+When the brand had flickered out, he walked back to the fire and sat
+down.  He tried to calm himself that he might think over his wonderful
+discovery.  The rain still pelted down outside, and the wind roared
+among the trees.  But Reynolds paid no attention to them now.  He saw
+nothing but gold, heaps of it, piled high before him, and himself the
+richest man in the whole world.  What would not the miners of Big Draw
+give to know of this discovery!  How they would flock to the place,
+followed by thousands of others.  What a change would ensue in a short
+time.  No longer would it be the desolate wilderness, but alive with
+frantic human beings.
+
+But suppose he should never live to tell the tale?  He was lost, far
+from any habitation, and with only enough food for a most meagre
+breakfast.  No, he must not die.  It was necessary for him to live, to
+make his great discovery known; and to reap the rich harvest himself.
+And Glen!  Again he thought of her.  He would be able to go to her a
+rich man instead of almost a beggar.  He smiled as he recalled what he
+had said to Frontier Samson.  The prospector had given him his choice
+between gold and the girl, and he had chosen the latter.  His love had
+not changed in the least degree, but why should he not have the gold as
+well as the girl?
+
+Reynolds sat for a long time that night absorbed in deep thought.  He
+slept upon the ground, and his dreams were a jumble of wild animals,
+gold, and a beautiful girl.  He awoke early and noted with satisfaction
+that the storm had ceased, and the sky was clear.  Having eaten the
+last of the salmon, he left the cave and viewed his surroundings in
+order to locate his bearings should he ever return to the place.  He
+believed that he was about half way up the highest hill in the
+immediate vicinity, and that he could not fail to miss seeing it from a
+distance.  He noticed that the hill formed the apex of a triangular
+formation, while two hills, one to the right and the other to left,
+served as base corners.  He was sure that he could remember such
+guiding marks, and would be able to return to the cave without any
+difficulty.
+
+It was with a feeling of reluctance that he at length left the cave and
+again assayed the climb up the side of the hill, which became steeper
+and more precipitous the farther he advanced.  At times he was forced
+to pull himself up by means of roots and small trees, so his progress
+was accordingly slow.  The sun was hot, and often he grew faint from
+heat and fatigue.  He watched for any sign of life, of rabbit, bird, or
+squirrel.  But the place seemed deserted, and even the plant life was
+scant and scrubby.  A fierce thirst came upon him, for no water had
+passed his lips since the previous day.
+
+Thus hour after hour he toiled upward.  He did not dare to return to
+the brook below, for that would mean certain death.  It had to be ever
+on until the summit was reached, and what then?  His courage almost
+failed as he thought of what that barren peak might have in store for
+him.  He had been disappointed so often, surely Fate would not abandon
+him now after he had made such a fierce fight for life.
+
+When but a hundred yards from his goal, he paused for a minute's
+respite.  He turned his bloodshot eyes to the sky.  A great eagle was
+soaring majestically athwart the blue.  It seemed to mock him by its
+easy flight.  It angered him as he followed its every movement.  Why
+should a mere bird have such freedom of motion, while man was so
+helpless?  To the eagle, distance was nothing; it laughed the highest
+mountain peak to scorn, and its food was wherever its fancy led.  He
+suddenly thought of the gold he had discovered.  In the world of
+civilization what a power it would mean.  What could it not do toward
+providing ease and reputation?  And of what use was that treasure to
+him now?  It was of no more value than the stones beneath his feet, and
+he would gladly have given it all for one good meal and a draught of
+refreshing water.
+
+The eagle was still soaring overhead, free and buoyant.  It was nearer
+now, wheeling closer and closer to Reynolds as he clung like a snail to
+the side of the hill.  And he was made in the image of God!  The
+thought stung him.  Why should such things be?  Instantly there flashed
+into his mind a picture he had often seen.  It was the side of a steep
+cliff, and there a shepherd was rescuing a sheep from its perilous
+position.  The man was clinging with His left hand to a crevice in the
+rock, while with His right He was reaching far over to lift up the poor
+animal, which was looking up pathetically into the shepherd's loving
+face.  He knew the meaning of that picture, and it came to him now with
+a startling intensity.  Why did he think of it? he asked himself.
+Although his life was clean, yet Reynolds was not what might be called
+a religious man.  He was not in the habit of praying, and he seldom
+went to church.  But something about that picture appealed to him as he
+crouched on that burning hillside.  Was there One who would help him
+out of his present difficulty?  He believed there was, for he had been
+so taught as a little child.  He remembered the Master's words, "Ask,
+and ye shall have."  "Here, then, is a chance to test the truthfulness
+of that saying," a voice whispered.
+
+"I shall not do it," Reynolds emphatically declared.  "I have not
+prayed for so long, that I'm not going to act the hypocrite now, and
+cry for help when I'm in a tight corner.  I daresay He would assist me,
+but I am ashamed to ask Him.  If I should only think of a friend when I
+am in trouble I should consider myself a mean cur, and unfit to have
+the friendship of anyone.  And that's about how I stand with Him, so I
+do not consider myself worthy of His help."
+
+Although Reynolds reasoned in this manner, yet that picture of The Good
+Shepherd inspired him.  He could not get it out of his mind as he lay
+there watching the eagle soaring nearer and nearer.
+
+"I wonder what that bird is after?" he mused.  "It is coming this way,
+and it seems to be getting ready to alight.  Perhaps it has a nest
+somewhere on this hill."
+
+This thought aroused him.  An eagle's nest!  It was generally built on
+some high rocky place, and why should there not be one here?  And if
+so, there might be eggs, and eggs would mean food for a starving man.
+
+Eagerly and anxiously he watched the bird now, hoping and longing that
+it would alight close to where he was crouching.  Neither was he
+disappointed, for in a few minutes the eagle drove straight for the
+hill, about fifty yards above, and landed upon a rocky ledge.  Seizing
+a stick lying near, with cat-like agility, Reynolds sprang forward, and
+hurried to the spot where the bird had alighted.  From what he had
+heard and read about eagles he surmised that a struggle lay ahead of
+him, so he clutched the stick firmly as he advanced.
+
+It took him but a few minutes to reach the place, and as he paused and
+looked keenly around for the nest, an infuriated mass of great wings
+and feathers hurled itself upon him.  Taken by surprise, Reynolds
+staggered back, and lifted his stick to ward off the attack.  How he
+saved himself from being torn to pieces by the talons and beak of that
+angry bird he never could tell.  It was a mystery to him that he was
+able to defend himself at all.  But do it he did, and used his stick in
+such a skilful manner that he kept the creature from tearing at his
+face.  Fortunately he had a good footing, which enabled him to retreat
+at each desperate onslaught, and to meet the bird with a furious blow
+as it wheeled and circled close above his head.  But he realised that
+he could not endure the strain much longer, for he was weak through
+lack of food and hard climbing.  The energy of the eagle, on the other
+hand, seemed just as keen as ever, and it might continue the fight for
+hours.  Reynolds grew desperate as he thought of this, and he was
+determined that he should not leave his body there as food for his
+opponent.
+
+He watched as the bird again circled and once more swept to the attack.
+But he was ready, and as it swooped close enough he threw his entire
+remaining strength into one great swinging blow.  The stick struck the
+eagle fair on the head with a resounding crash, and so great was the
+force of the impact that the cudgel snapped like a pipestem, and the
+broken end hurtled over the ledge.  The eagle's fight was done.  It
+swerved from its course, and frantically tried to recover itself.  But
+all in vain.  Far out over the hillside it swung, and then a helpless
+and inert mass, it dropped down, and crashed into the tops of the firs
+and jack-pines, which lifted their heads like pointed spears to receive
+the victim.
+
+Reynolds watched until the bird had disappeared.  Then he breathed a
+deep sigh of relief, and examined his wounds.  His hands were bleeding,
+and such clothes as he had were literally torn into shreds.  He was so
+weak that he could hardly stand, and he sank down upon the ground.
+
+"How long will this keep up?" he panted.  "What else lies before me?  I
+am a poor specimen of a human being now, and unfitted for another
+encounter of any kind.  This was my own fault, though.  That poor devil
+I just sent to its doom was merely acting in self-defence.  But the
+survival of the fittest is the law of the wilderness just as in the
+ways of so-called civilization.  That bird had what I needed; and that
+settles it."
+
+This turned his mind upon the nest, which he suspected was somewhere
+near.  In another minute he had found it, a mass of sticks, in the
+midst of which was a hollow lined with wild grass, and lying there were
+three white eggs.  Eagerly he seized one, and held it in his hand.  Was
+it fresh? he wondered, or was it ready to be hatched?
+
+Drawing forth his pocket-knife, he perforated each end of the egg, and
+smelled the contents.  It was fresh, having been recently laid.  In
+another instant it was at his parched lips, and never did he remember
+having tasted anything half as refreshing.  Then he looked longingly at
+the other two.
+
+"No, I must not eat them now," he told himself.  "I shall need them for
+supper and breakfast.  The Lord only knows when I shall get anything
+more."
+
+The mention of the Lord brought back to him the picture of The Good
+Shepherd rescuing the lost sheep.  "Strange, very strange," he mused,
+as he picked up the eggs and continued his climb.  "Can it be possible
+that the Lord had anything to do with that eagle coming here just when
+I was about all in, and ready to drop from hunger and thirst?  I am not
+ashamed, anyway, to confess my gratitude, even though I disliked the
+idea of praying."
+
+A few minutes later he stood on the top of the hill, a bleak, desolate
+spot, rocky, and devoid of the least sign of vegetation.  But this
+mattered nothing to him now, for his eyes rested almost immediately
+upon a silver gleam away to the left.  It was water, and a river at
+that!  An exclamation of joy leaped from his lips, as from that lonely
+peak he viewed the river of his salvation.  Where it led, he did not
+know, but surely along that stream he would find human beings, able and
+willing to succor him.
+
+Forgotten now was his weariness, and a new hope possessed his soul.  He
+could not expect to reach the river that afternoon, for several valleys
+and small hills intervened.  But he could go part of the way and on the
+morrow complete the journey.  Carefully guarding his two precious eggs,
+he hurried down the opposite side of the hill as fast as it was
+possible, and night found him by the side of a small wood-enshrouded
+lake.  Here he stopped, drank of the cool refreshing water, and built a
+small fire.  Finding a smooth stone, he washed it clean, and heating it
+thoroughly, he was enabled to fry one of the eggs upon the surface.  In
+the morning the other was treated in a similar manner, and thus
+strengthened, but his hunger not appeased, he sped onward.
+
+This last lap of his journey to the river was a trying one.  Reynolds
+made it more difficult by his feverish impatience, and when about the
+middle of the afternoon he heard the ripple of water, and caught the
+first gleam through the trees of its sparkling surface, he was
+completely exhausted, and had only sufficient strength to drag his
+weary form to the river's bank.  A refreshing drink of the ice-cold
+water and a rest of a few minutes revived him.  The stream was swift,
+far swifter than he had anticipated.  But this encouraged him, for if
+once launched upon its surface it would bear him speedily out of that
+desolate wilderness.
+
+A craft of some kind was necessary, so searching around, he found
+several good-sized trees, stripped and bare, which had been brought
+down stream by the spring floods, and left stranded upon the bank.
+With considerable difficulty he managed to fashion these into a rude
+raft, binding all together with strong, pliable willow withes.  As a
+boy he had often made rafts, and the knowledge acquired then served him
+in good stead now.
+
+Finding a stout pole, he stepped upon the raft, and to his delight
+found that it would easily bear his weight.  Pushing it from the shore,
+it was soon caught by the strong current and borne rapidly down stream.
+The steering was an easy matter, so, sitting upon the raft, he gave
+himself up to the luxury of this new mode of travel.  It was such a
+great relief from his fearful wandering through the woods and climbing
+the hills, that but for his pangs of hunger he would have been quite
+happy.
+
+All through, the night the raft swung on its way, the plaything of the
+current which kept it clear of bars and rocks.  Reynolds did not dare
+to sleep, for he could not tell what lay ahead.  It might be a
+dangerous rapid, or at any minute he might come to some camp along the
+shore, and it would be necessary to be wide awake and alert.
+
+But nothing happened, and morning found him still floating onward into
+the great unknown.  He was ravenously hungry, and once he ran the raft
+ashore and gathered a number of willow twigs.  These he gnawed as he
+once more continued his voyage.  This, however, was poor food for a
+starving man, and he was well aware that unless he could obtain
+something more substantial he must miserably perish.  Game was
+plentiful along the river, and several times he saw moose and bears,
+while early that morning he ran close to a flock of wild ducks.  But
+their presence only mocked him now, weaponless as he was.
+
+This day was a most trying one, for about the middle of the forenoon it
+began to rain, and Reynolds was wet to the skin as he sat huddled upon
+the raft.  Anxiously he peered forward, hoping that around every bend
+something more cheering than the monotonous trees would meet his eyes.
+But hour after hour it was just the same, and the rain continued
+without any cessation.  Would the river never end? he asked himself
+over and over again.  Whither was it bearing him, anyway?  At times the
+sinuous water appeared like a demon, carrying him on to destruction.
+Its gurgle and ripple sounded in his ears like mocking laughter, and
+the great brooding forest in its intense silence seemed in league with
+the stream.  Of what avail were all his mighty efforts?  He had escaped
+from the tangle of the forest, only to be lured to ruin by the river.
+
+The afternoon waned, and night drew near, and still the raft swept
+onward.  Reynolds felt that he could endure the strain but little
+longer.  He was chilled to the bone, and cramped from his huddled
+position.  He must land, and get some circulation in his body,
+providing he had any strength left.
+
+He was about to run the raft ashore, when to his great delight it
+suddenly shot forth from its forest prison into the open expanse of a
+broad and silent lake.  Reynolds staggered painfully to his feet and
+looked around.  He could only see a short distance, as a heavy mist lay
+over the water.  His eyes scanned the shore, but no sign of human
+habitation could he behold.  There was nothing except the same scene of
+desolation which had been his companion for weary days.
+
+The raft was motionless now, some distance out upon the lake.  Slowly
+Reynolds forced it to the shore, and secured it in a little cove.
+
+"I might as well stay here for the night," he muttered.  "It may be
+clear to-morrow which will enable me to see farther.  Oh, for something
+to eat!"
+
+With much difficulty he started a fire, for the wood was wet, and then
+warmed himself before the cheerful blaze.  It was not raining so hard
+now, for which he was thankful.  He tried to dry his rags of clothes by
+hanging them on sticks near the fire.  His boots were off his feet,
+with the uppers alone clinging to his ankles.  Removing these, he
+examined them.  Then an idea flashed into his mind.  He had heard of
+men eating their boots in their extremity, and why should not he!  It
+was worth the try, at any rate.
+
+It took him but a second to whip out his knife and cut a piece from the
+top of one of the boots.  This he washed clean in the lake, and tasted
+it.  Only one on the extreme verge of starvation can in any manner
+comprehend what even a portion of a boot means.  There is some
+nourishment there, as Reynolds soon found.  Almost ravenously he chewed
+that piece of leather, extracting from it whatever life-giving
+substance it contained.  When it had been converted to mere pulp, he
+helped himself to another piece.  He was in a most desperate situation,
+but if he could sustain his strength for another night and day he
+believed that his life would be spared.  Surely along that lake he
+would find human beings, whether Indians or whites he did not care, who
+would give him food.
+
+He awoke early the next morning, and having partaken his breakfast of
+another piece of boot, he pushed off his raft.  There was only one way
+for him to go, and that was with the breeze which was drawing down the
+lake.  The mist was now lifting, and although he strained his eyes, he
+could see no sign of life.  He had to pole the raft now, and in order
+to do so he was forced to keep close to the shore where the water was
+shallow.
+
+Thus all through the morning and far on into the afternoon he urged the
+raft forward with all the strength at his command.  There were so many
+curves to the shore that following these lengthened the voyage.  From
+point to point he moved, each time to be disappointed as he looked
+ahead and saw nothing but trees and water.
+
+The sun was hot, and the perspiration poured down his face.  But with
+the energy of despair he drove his pole again and again into the water.
+As the afternoon waned, and night drew near, the limit of his endurance
+was reached, and he knew that he could do no more.  He had struggled
+for life, but to no purpose.  Rest was all that he cared for now.  His
+head began to swim, and he sank exhausted upon the raft.  And there he
+lay, face downward, while the raft drifted at its own sweet will.
+Presently a breeze sprang up and cooled the air.  But it did not affect
+Reynolds in the least.  He had fought to the last grain of strength,
+and when that left him he was beyond all sense of time, place, and
+feeling.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE GIRL OF GLEN WEST
+
+When Glen Weston reached the top of the hill that afternoon of her
+encounter with the grizzly, she reined in Midnight and swung him
+sharply around.  She was confident that she could not be seen from the
+valley below, as a large projecting rock hid her from view.  She was in
+no hurry to leave the place, and several times she was tempted to
+dismount, peer around the rock to see if her rescuer were still at the
+bottom of the trail.  She refrained from doing so, however, lest he
+might see her, and thus be induced to follow her.
+
+Glen was not a girl to be easily affected, but she had to acknowledge
+to herself that the gallant stranger interested her in an unusual
+manner.  He was not like the men she was in the habit of meeting.  He
+was different and so courteous.  And he was good looking, too, she
+mused.  He had also been at the Front!  That appealed to her, and
+aroused her curiosity.  What had he done over there? she wondered.  Had
+he performed special deeds of daring, and carried off any medals?
+
+For some time she remained there facing the west.  The sun was riding
+over the distant mountain peaks, and the whole landscape was bathed in
+resplendent glory.  Midnight was standing close to the rocky ledge,
+with ears pointed forward and his large eyes turned to the left.  His
+body was still quivering, and every nerve was keenly alert.
+Occasionally his right fore-hoof struck the rock, indicating his
+impatience to be away.  The slightest sound startled him, for he could
+not easily forget his encounter with the bear.
+
+"Steady, laddie," Glen soothed, when he became more restless than
+usual.  "I know you are anxious to be off, but I like this place.  I
+wonder where we would be now but for that wonderful shot.  Most likely
+we would be lying down there in the ravine instead of the grizzly."
+
+For about fifteen minutes longer she remained in this position,
+silently looking out toward the great mountains beyond.  Had Reynolds
+but seen her then, how the artist soul within him would have rejoiced.
+With a remarkable grace and ease she sat there, as one well accustomed
+to the saddle.  Her left hand held the reins, and her right the
+riding-whip.  Her soft felt hat, caught up at one side, partly shaded
+her face.  A deep flush mantled her cheeks, due not to the reflection
+of the sun alone, but to buoyant health, and the excitement through
+which she had just passed.
+
+Almost wistfully she at length wheeled her horse and headed him away
+from the summit.  Midnight needed no urging, and the light of
+satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he sped swiftly and nimbly along
+the narrow trail.  No guiding hand directed him, and the reins lay
+loose upon his glossy neck, for his mistress' mind was elsewhere.  At
+times he was compelled to slow down to a walk where the rocks were
+thick, or the trail steep and dangerous.  But whenever possible, such
+as on the wild meadows, he laid back his ears and sped like the wind.
+This always aroused Glen and brought her back to earth.  She enjoyed
+such races, and when they were over, she would pat Midnight on the neck
+and utter affectionate words of praise.  Horse and rider understood
+each other, which feeling had been developed through years of
+companionship on many a hard trail.
+
+For over an hour they thus moved steadily onward, and at length there
+loomed before them the high frowning ridge of the Golden Crest.  At
+first it seemed to form an impassable barrier to their advance.  But as
+they continued, an opening suddenly appeared, flanked on either side by
+huge projecting rocks.  It was Nature's great doorway in one of the
+mighty partitions of the house not made with hands.  Through this
+Midnight speedily loped and ere long swept out upon a wild meadow which
+extended to the left farther than the eye could see, and over a mile in
+width.  Horses were feeding here, and at once Midnight lifted up his
+voice in a friendly neigh of salutation, which was immediately answered
+by several horses in the distance.  In fact, he was on the point of
+slowing down and swerving from the trail, but a light flick of the whip
+reminded him that his mistress had other business on hand which had to
+be attended to first, so again throwing back his ears, he dashed onward.
+
+The wild meadow crossed, they reached a wooded region where the trail
+ascended and wound up a steep hill.  Midnight took this with a bound,
+and in a few minutes he was at the top, panting heavily from his
+vigorous exercise.  Here Glen reined him in, and sat silently looking
+straight before her.  And truly it was a magnificent scene which was
+thus so suddenly presented to her view.  Below stretched a dense
+forest, lying sombre beneath the shades of evening.  Away in the
+distance rose the mighty mountains, sentinel-like and austere, while
+between, flashing like a jewel in its dark stern setting, was a large
+body of water.  Not a ripple ruffled its surface, and nothing could
+Glen discern there, although her eyes scanned it most intently.
+
+A word to Midnight, and down the incline they moved, and in a short
+time emerged from the forest, when a large open clearing burst into
+view.  To a stranger the sight would have been startling, for a short
+distance away was a neat village, close to the water's edge.  But to
+Glen it was not at all out of the ordinary.  She had been accustomed to
+it from childhood, and to her it was home.
+
+The village consisted of well built log houses, at the doors of which
+children were playing, and dogs lying around.  The former smiled as the
+girl rode by.  She did not stop as was her wont, to talk to them, but
+at once made her way to a building larger than the others.  This was a
+store, in front of which a number of Indians were gathered.
+
+As Glen rode up and stopped, a tall, powerfully built native came forth
+and laid his hand upon the horse's bridle.  It was the same Indian
+Reynolds had seen that night at the dance in Whitehorse.  He was
+evidently accustomed to waiting upon Glen, and needed no instructions.
+But on this occasion the girl did not dismount.  She merely leaned over
+and whispered a few words to her attendant, who simply nodded, and let
+his hand drop from the bridle.  Then as Glen continued on her way, he
+walked by her side through the street, up along the water-front.
+
+In a few minutes they passed from the village and entered a grove of
+trees which extended down to the shore of the lake.  In the midst of
+this was a clearing, and situated here was a log building of generous
+proportions, well made, and altogether different from the rest in the
+settlement.  It was a two-story building, facing the water, with large
+windows, and a spacious verandah sweeping around the front and both
+sides.  Wherever it was possible, paint had been liberally applied, and
+the white on the sashes, the green on the corner-boards, and the red on
+the roof gave it a striking appearance.  It might well have been the
+home of some millionaire, who had thus sought seclusion in the
+wilderness, adding to his domicile a few touches of the world of
+civilization.
+
+The grounds were well kept, showing that much attention had been
+bestowed upon them.  Flowers bloomed in profusion, and off to the left
+a vegetable garden showed what the north could produce.  A gravelly
+walk led to the water, and here at a small wharf floated a motor-boat,
+graceful in appearance, and capable of carrying passengers and freight.
+Several Indian men were standing on the wharf, while others, including
+women and children, were paddling in canoes but a short distance away.
+It was a scene of peace and seclusion, a regular fairy-land nestling
+there in the wilds.  Even the storms of winter could not affect the
+place, for besides the sheltering trees which surrounded it on all
+sides, the frowning ridge of the Golden Crest formed a mighty barrier
+to the rear.
+
+But Glen noticed none of these things, for something else occupied her
+mind this evening.  She had remained silent since leaving the store,
+but now that the house was in sight, she halted Midnight at the edge of
+the woods and looked at her Indian companion.
+
+"Is daddy home yet?" she asked, speaking in the rhythmical native
+language with which she was so familiar.
+
+"Not home," was the brief reply.
+
+"He said that he might come to-day, didn't he?"
+
+The Indian, merely nodded.
+
+"He has been gone for nearly a week now," Glen continued, "and I wonder
+what can be keeping him.  Do you think he will come to-night?"
+
+"Sconda doesn't know.  Big white chief alone knows."
+
+Glen laughed and stroked Midnight's neck with an impatient hand.
+
+"I guess you are right, Sconda.  Daddy alone knows what he is going to
+do, for he never tells me, at any rate.  But as he is not here I must
+take matters into my own hands.  You know Deep Gulch beyond the Golden
+Crest?" and she motioned to the left.
+
+Again the Indian nodded.
+
+"Well, then, there is a dead bear in the Gulch, Sconda, and I want you
+to take men and bring it in, see?"
+
+A new light now shone in the native's eyes, and he looked enquiringly
+into the girl's face.
+
+"Bear?" he asked.  "In Deep Gulch?"
+
+"Yes, and a grizzly at that; a monster.  Oh, it was terrible!" and Glen
+shivered as the recollection of the brute's fierce charge swept upon
+her.
+
+"Bear dead, eh?" Sconda queried.
+
+"Yes, dead, and lying in the ravine, half covered with earth and rocks.
+Go down Crooked Trail to the bottom, then up the gulch, and you will
+find it."
+
+"Who shoot grizzly?" the Indian asked.
+
+"A white man.  And, oh, Sconda, you should have seen what a shot he
+made!  It was wonderful!  I am sure you never did anything like it."
+
+"Greater than Sconda made at Saku, when he shot grizzly, and saved
+Injun, eh?"
+
+"Greater?  Listen, Sconda.  That white man shot the grizzly from the
+other side of Deep Gulch.  He was way up on the hill, and he hit the
+bear in the heart."
+
+The Indian's eyes showed his astonishment as he studied the girl's face
+as if to make sure that she was telling the truth.
+
+"It is true, Sconda.  I was there and saw him do it."
+
+"What was bear doing?"
+
+"Coming at me for all it was worth, and Midnight was almost frantic
+with fright.  If it hadn't been for that white man we would be down
+there now where that grizzly is lying."
+
+"And you want Sconda to fetch bear to camp, eh?"
+
+"I do.  Take as many men as you need and go in the morning.  Tell the
+women to be ready to prepare the meat.  And, Sconda, I want you to look
+after the dressing of the skin.  Get Klota to do it.  Tell her it is
+for me, and she will understand.  That is all, I guess."
+
+Glen dismounted, and handed the reins to the Indian.
+
+"Midnight is hungry, Sconda.  Look after him yourself, and see that he
+gets a good bite of grass.  And, Sconda," she added, as if an
+afterthought, "you will be sure to go with the men in the morning?"
+
+"Ah, ah, Sconda will go."
+
+"That's good.  And I want you to do something for me.  Keep a sharp
+watch to see if that white man comes again to Deep Gulch.  You will,
+won't you?"
+
+"Sconda will watch."
+
+"But don't let him think you are watching, remember.  You stay behind
+when the others have brought the bear home.  But don't let the white
+man see you."
+
+Into Sconda's eyes flashed an expression of understanding.  He knew now
+what the girl meant.  What would he not do for her? the white girl he
+had known since she was but a child, and whose word to him was law, not
+of force but of affection.
+
+"Now, don't forget, Sconda," Glen warned.  "Stay there, if necessary,
+until night, and watch him carefully from the top of Crooked Trail.
+And don't tell anybody, not even Klota.  Her eyes and ears are sharp,
+and she might suspect something.  This is the greatest secret I have
+ever had.  You have never failed me yet, Sconda, and I know that I can
+trust you now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+WHEN THE STORM BURST
+
+Glen West Lodge, the name of this fine building on the shore of that
+inland lake, was a comfortable and cozy abode.  The rooms were not
+large, but their furnishings and decorations showed the artistic taste
+of the owner.  The pictures adorning the walls had evidently been
+chosen with careful discrimination, most of them representing nature
+scenes, with a few well known paintings of the world of civilization.
+Each room contained a fire-place, and over the mantel of the
+livingroom, which opened off the hallway, was Watt's symbolical figure
+of "Hope."  Glen had often seen her father standing before this,
+studying it most intently.  Once he had told her its meaning.  "You see
+that woman sitting on the top of the world," he had said.  "The strings
+of her harp are all broken but one, and upon that she is making the
+best music she can.  It teaches us, Glen, never to despair, but with
+the one string of limited power to do our best."
+
+In one corner of this room was a piano, and the piece of modern music
+above the key-board showed that someone had been recently playing.  A
+lamp of neat design hung from the wainscoted ceiling, while another
+with a soft shade stood upon a centre-table.  The chairs in the room
+were comfortable, the largest being placed near the big southern
+window, close to which was a case well filled with books.  The floor
+was covered with a rich carpet, of a quiet pattern, while before the
+fire-place was stretched a great bearskin rug.  It was a room to
+delight the heart, especially on a night when a storm was raging over
+the land.
+
+It was through this that Glen passed after entering the house.  She
+went at once into the dining-room, adjoining, where she found the table
+all set for supper, and a white-haired woman standing before the
+side-board, arranging knives and forks in a drawer.  She turned as Glen
+entered, and a bright smile of welcome illumined her face.
+
+"You are late, dear," she reminded.  "Supper has been ready for some
+time."
+
+"I am sorry, Nannie," the girl apologized.  "But I went farther to-day
+than I intended.  There is no word from daddy, I suppose?"
+
+"None at all, dearie.  But, hurry and change your clothes, as your
+father may arrive at any minute.  He will be angry if he knows that you
+have been far beyond the Golden Crest, for he has warned you to be
+careful.  It is not safe for a girl to be riding alone since the miners
+have come into this region."
+
+Glen smiled gaily at the woman's fears, and hastened away to her own
+room.  In about a quarter of an hour she returned, but in that brief
+space of time a marvellous transformation had taken place.  In a soft
+white dress, open at the throat, her beauty was enhanced ten-fold.  Her
+luxuriant wavy hair had been hurriedly brushed back, and her cheeks
+bore the deep flush of health and youth.  The woman at the head of the
+table looked at her with undisguised admiration as she passed her a
+piece of nicely browned fried salmon which an Indian servant girl had
+brought in from the kitchen.
+
+"It is too bad that your father isn't here to see you, Glen," she
+remarked.  "I never saw you look prettier.  If we were outside, I might
+suspect that the color in your cheeks is not due to health and exercise
+alone."
+
+"I am afraid you are flattering me, Nannie," Glen laughingly replied.
+"You will make me vain, if you are not careful."
+
+"I am not in the habit of flattering without good reason, as you well
+know, dear.  But I have been thinking lately what a great pity it is
+that you should be wasting your young life in a place like this."
+
+"Losing my sweetness on the desert air; is that it, Nannie?  But what
+about you?"
+
+"Oh, I do not signify," and again the sad expression came into the
+woman's eyes.  "I might as well be here as anywhere else.  But with you
+it is different.  You need companions of your own age, and a more
+agreeable life than this place can provide."
+
+"I certainly do," was the emphatic assent.  "I never realised it until
+my return from the Seminary.  What is the use of all my education if I
+am to spend the rest of my days here, with not a girl friend, and not
+a----"
+
+Glen floundered and paused, while her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
+
+"I understand, dear, so do not try to explain.  It is only natural that
+you should wish to be admired.  I was the same when I was your age.
+But you cannot expect to find admirers up here, that is, the right
+kind, and especially the one above all others."
+
+Glen looked keenly into her companion's eyes, as if to divine her
+meaning.  But she saw nothing there which might lead her to suspect
+that the secret of her heart was known.
+
+"Do you think that daddy will ever consent to leave this place?" she
+asked.  "I have not spoken to him about it, for I was quite satisfied
+with this life until recently."
+
+"I have mentioned it to him," was the reply.  "Ever since you were a
+child I have been urging him to leave the north, for your sake, if for
+nothing else.  He always said that he expected to do so some day, but
+here we are the same as ever, and I see no signs of his going."
+
+"I wonder what in the world daddy ever came here for, anyway?"
+
+"Why, for trading purposes, of course.  He has done wonderfully well,
+and understands the Indians better than any white man in this country.
+You know they will do anything for him, because he is so fair and just
+in all his dealings."
+
+"Yes, I know that, Nannie.  But daddy never goes outside, and he will
+not allow white men to come here.  You know as well as I do that he
+turns the Indians upon every white stranger who comes across the Golden
+Crest or by water.  Daddy never mentioned it to me, but both Sconda and
+Klota have told me how the miners fear this place, and think that daddy
+is a terrible monster.  When I asked them what became of the white men
+who ventured here, they wouldn't tell me, but looked at each other in a
+queer way.  There is something mysterious about it all, and it has
+puzzled me ever since I was able to understand anything."
+
+"There, dearie, never mind worrying your brain about it now," her
+companion soothed.  "You are too young to have wrinkles in your smooth
+skin.  Play that nice piece you were singing before you left to-day.  I
+never heard it before, and it did me so much good.  The piano has been
+idle all winter, so it must make up for lost time now."
+
+Glen told Nannie nothing about her experiences that afternoon.  She was
+afraid that this woman, gifted with more than ordinary insight, might
+read her heart.  It made her feel somewhat guilty, nevertheless, for
+Nannie was the only mother she had ever known, and she lay awake a long
+time that night thinking it all over, and wondering whether she should
+tell her secret to the one woman in the world in whom she should
+confide.  She had studied herself more carefully than usual in her
+large mirror before retiring, and what she beheld there was far from
+displeasing.  She knew that she was beautiful, and her heart told her
+that her brave rescuer had looked upon her with admiration.  Should she
+ever see him again? she asked herself, or had he already forgotten her?
+
+Glen awoke early the next morning, and after breakfast she went down to
+the store.  Here she learned that Sconda and a dozen men had gone to
+Deep Gulch after the grizzly.  Formerly, women would have done most of
+the heavy work, but the ruler of Glen West had changed all that.  The
+men did not take kindly to this at first, but Jim Weston had been firm.
+
+"If you do not like this order of things, you can go elsewhere," he
+told them.  "Women are not going to do men's work here.  You bring the
+game into camp, and then let your wives attend to it."
+
+Thus the custom of the men bringing in the bear or moose became
+established, and no one left, for the objectors knew that they were far
+better off at Glen West than they had ever been in their lives, and
+that it was to their advantage to obey their Big White Chief, as they
+called Weston.
+
+Glen waited impatiently for the men's return, and the hours dragged
+slowly by until their arrival about the middle of the afternoon.  They
+had skinned the bear, and cutting up the carcass, they had strapped the
+pieces upon their horses.  They rode gaily into camp, and most of the
+inhabitants of the place were gathered around the store to acclaim
+their arrival.  All had heard of the wonderful shot across Deep Gulch,
+and they were naturally curious to see the monster which had dared to
+face the Big Chief's daughter.  There was the certainty, too, of fresh
+meat, which added much to the interest.
+
+Sconda, however was not with the returned men, and Glen was greatly
+disappointed.  Her rescuer, then, had not come back to the gulch, so he
+evidently had no more thought for her.  She had imagined that he would
+be anxious to obtain the grizzly's fine skin as a souvenir of his
+meeting with her.  At first she was tempted to ride forth toward
+Crooked Trail and await Sconda's return, but changing her mind, she
+launched her light canoe, and was soon skimming out over the water of
+the big lake.  She generally took an Indian girl, or Sconda with her.
+But now she wished to be alone, that she might think as she drifted or
+paddled.
+
+For over an hour she remained on the water, and when she returned,
+Sconda was waiting for her on the shore.  Her face brightened as she
+saw him, and she at once questioned him about her rescuer.
+
+"Did you see him?" she asked.
+
+"Ah, ah.  Sconda see white man."
+
+"And did he see you?"
+
+"Ah, ah."
+
+"Oh!  Did he stay long at Deep Gulch?"
+
+A shake of the head was the native's only response.
+
+"Did he seem surprised when he found that the grizzly was gone?" Glen
+asked.  "Did he look up Crooked Trail as if expecting to see someone
+there?"
+
+"White man act queer," the Indian explained.  "He stay on big hill
+watching trail.  He saw Sconda once."
+
+"What did he do?"
+
+"Nothing," and the Indian's eyes twinkled.  "Sconda leave quick."
+
+"And you didn't see him again?"
+
+"Sconda come to Glen West.  White man go to Big Draw, maybe."
+
+Although Glen was not altogether satisfied at what Sconda told her, yet
+it was some comfort to know that her rescuer had returned to Deep
+Gulch, and stayed there for a while watching the trail as if expecting
+to see someone.  And was that someone herself? she wondered.  She had
+the feeling that it was, and the thought pleased her.
+
+Glen now found the life at Glen West more irksome than ever.  She
+missed her companions of the Seminary and the excitement of the city.
+She did not even have her father, for several days had now passed since
+his expected return.  She had no idea what was keeping him, and she
+naturally became very anxious.  Several times she discussed his delay
+with Nannie.
+
+"Did you ever know daddy to stay away as long as this?" she asked one
+evening as they sat at supper.
+
+"I have known him to be away much longer," was the reply.  "Once he was
+gone for a whole month.  He is prospecting for gold, you know, and goes
+far off at times."
+
+"But he has never discovered anything, has he?"
+
+"Nothing of great value as yet, although he is always expecting to do
+so some day.  You need not worry about him, dearie, for he is well able
+to take care of himself, and I understand that an Indian always keeps
+in touch with him.  He has a comfortable cabin out in the hills where
+he sleeps at night."
+
+"Well, I wish to goodness he would come home," and Glen gave a deep
+sigh.  "He might think of me, and how much I need him.  If he doesn't
+come soon, I shall pack up and go outside again.  I believe a trip to
+Whitehorse would do me good, for I am tired of staying here with
+nothing to do."
+
+"Your father would not like it," her companion reminded.  "He would be
+very angry if he came home and found that you had left Glen West.  Why
+not take a spin on the lake this evening?  You once were very fond of
+the boat."
+
+"I suppose I might as well go," and again Glen sighed as she rose from
+the table and looked out of the window.  "Sconda is on the wharf now,
+and that will save my going after him.  Won't you come, too, Nannie?  A
+spin will do you good."
+
+"Not this evening," was the reply.  "Your father may come at any
+minute, and it would not do for both of us to be away from the house."
+
+Sconda's eyes brightened as Glen came down to the wharf and asked him
+to take her out upon the water.  _The Frontiersman_, the name of the
+motor-boat, was the pride of Sconda's heart.  When he had been
+appointed captain of the craft, his highest ambition was reached.
+This, together with the fact that he was the special guardian of the
+Big Chief's daughter, gave him a high standing in the camp.  No one
+knew the waters of the north better than did he, and Jim Weston's mind
+was always easy when Glen was with him.
+
+In a few minutes _The Frontiersman_ was cutting through the water out
+into the open.  Sconda was at the wheel, with Glen by his side, while
+Taku, an Indian with special mechanical gifts, looked after the engine.
+
+"Which way?" Sconda at length asked, after they had run out of the
+sheltered creek into the main body of water.
+
+"Up-stream," Glen replied.  "Daddy came down the Tasan once on a raft,
+and he had a hard time getting home.  He may be coming that way now, so
+we may be able to pick him up."
+
+Sconda at once gave the wheel a sharp turn to the left, and the boat
+swinging obediently to its master's will, rushed rapidly forward.  A
+stiff breeze was now blowing dead ahead, and this Glen thoroughly
+enjoyed.  It suited her nature, especially this evening, and she longed
+for a tempest to sweep upon them.  Adventure and excitement she dearly
+enjoyed, and she had often bewailed the fact that she was a woman and
+not a man.
+
+"Women are supposed to be demure quiet creatures," she had more than
+once declared.  "They are not supposed to run any risks, but must stay
+safely in the house.  That may satisfy some, but it does not suit me."
+
+Her father and Nannie had always smiled at these outbursts of
+impatience, thinking that as she grew older her mind would change, and
+she would see things in a different light.  But Glen did not change,
+and the longing for adventure was as strong in her heart now as ever.
+The sweep of the wind this evening not only tossed her hair but
+thrilled her very being, and for the first time since her return home
+she felt how good it was to live in such a place.
+
+For about half an hour they sped onward, with the wind steadily
+increasing.
+
+"Big blow soon," Sconda casually remarked, as he glanced at the heavy
+clouds massing over the mountains.  Then he gave a start, and peered
+keenly forward.  His eyes had caught sight of something unusual.
+
+"What's that?" he asked, pointing to the left.
+
+Glen's eyes followed his outstretched arm, and presently she was
+enabled to detect a dark object upon the water.
+
+"It's only a stick, isn't it, Sconda?"
+
+"No; it's a raft," was the reply.  "There's something on it."
+
+"Oh; maybe it's daddy!" Glen exclaimed, now thoroughly aroused.  "Make
+the boat go faster.  He will be swamped by these waves!"
+
+The boat, however, was running at full speed, and in short time they
+were able to view the object more clearly.  It was certainly a raft,
+and the form upon it looked like a human being.  Glen almost stopped
+breathing as they drew nearer.  Could it be her father? she asked
+herself.  Who else would be out there on the lake?
+
+As the boat slowed down and ran close to the raft, Sconda called aloud
+to the figure huddled upon the logs.  But there was no reply.  The wind
+was tossing the rags which once were clothes, and the waves were
+speedily breaking the rude craft asunder.  There was no time to lose,
+so in another minute Sconda had the boat close alongside, and with the
+aid of Taku the helpless man was lifted from his perilous position.
+
+When Glen saw that the rescued man was not her father, she breathed
+more freely.  But the first glimpse of his face, bearded though it was,
+reminded her of someone she had seen before.  Then the light of
+recognition leaped into her eyes, and with a cry of surprise she
+dropped upon her knees by the side of the prostrate man as he lay upon
+the deck.
+
+Almost instantly the impending storm burst with terrible fury over that
+inland body of water.  The raft went to pieces like matchwood, and
+Sconda had all that he could do to manage the boat.  With the
+assistance of Taku, the unconscious man was carried inside, and as Glen
+watched by his side, unable to do anything for his relief, the tempest
+raged without.  It was one of those terrific storms which at times
+sweep down so suddenly from deep mountain draws, and lash the lake in
+wildest fury.  _The Frontiersman_ reeled and plunged as she struggled
+through the hurricane, and the waves dashed continuously over the deck,
+threatening to smash the glass in the cabin where Glen was keeping
+watch.  That large lake, so peaceful at morn, was now a raging monster.
+Many an unwary voyager had been caught in such a storm, and in bygone
+days the natives always used their stoutest charms in their efforts to
+propitiate the demon of the mountains.
+
+Sconda's hands firmly grasped the wheel, and his alert eyes studied
+every wave as he guided the boat on her plunging course.  He realised
+how much was at stake, for was not his master's daughter on board, and
+he responsible for her safety?  Could he have run straight before the
+gale, it would not have been so difficult.  But the creek was over
+there to the right, hence it was necessary to run in a diagonal manner
+which caused the boat to ship a great deal of water.  But keep this
+steadfast course he did, and after a desperate struggle, _The
+Frontiersman_ poked her nose into the opening of the creek, and was
+soon gliding calmly over the smooth water within.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+ANOTHER PRISONER
+
+It was morning when Reynolds opened his eyes and looked around.  He
+believed that he had been dreaming, and a horrible dream it was.  In a
+few minutes his senses returned, and he vividly recalled the terrible
+experiences through which he had recently passed.  But where was he?
+What had happened to him?  Why was he not yet upon the raft, drifting
+with the wind and tide?  He glanced about the room and saw that it was
+a cozy place, with the sunlight streaming in through an open window on
+the right.  He attempted to rise, but fell back wearily upon the bed.
+Then he called, and the sound of his own voice startled him, so
+strangely hollow and unreal did it seem.
+
+A light footstep near the door caused him to look in that direction.
+An Indian woman was coming toward him, a big motherly-looking person,
+with a smile upon her face.
+
+"Where am I?" Reynolds asked.  "And how did I get here?"
+
+The woman made no reply, but still smiling with apparent satisfaction,
+she turned and left the room.  She was back again in a few minutes,
+this time carrying in her hand a bowl of steaming broth.
+
+"Eat," she ordered, offering him a spoon.  "No talk."
+
+But Reynolds did not take the spoon.  He was too famished for that.
+Seizing the bowl with hands that trembled from weakness and excitement,
+he drained it to the last drop.
+
+"More, more," he cried.  "I'm starving."
+
+Again the woman smiled as she took the bowl.
+
+"No more now," she told him.  "Sleep."
+
+"But where am I?" Reynolds demanded.  "I must know."
+
+"Bimeby.  Sleep now," was all the satisfaction he obtained, as the
+woman left the room and closed the door.
+
+For several minutes Reynolds lay there uncertain, what to do.  But the
+bed was comfortable, and he was so tired.  It was good to rest, and not
+worry about anything.  He was in friendly hands, and that was
+sufficient for the present.
+
+When he again awoke, he felt much refreshed, and longed to get up.  He
+attempted to do so, but in an instant the same Indian woman was by his
+side.
+
+"No get up," she ordered, handing him another bowl of broth she had
+brought with her.
+
+Reynolds drank this more leisurely, the woman watching him closely all
+the time.
+
+"Thank you,"  he said, when he had finished.  "I feel better now.  But
+please tell me where I am, and how I came----"
+
+The words died upon his lips, for in the doorway Glen had suddenly
+appeared.  She looked at him, and with a bright smile upon her face,
+came to his side.  So surprised was Reynolds that he was unable to
+utter a word.  He merely stared, so great was his astonishment.
+
+"I hope I have not startled you," the girl began.  "You look
+frightened."
+
+"But where have you come from?" Reynolds asked, not yet sure that he
+was in his right mind.
+
+"From the other room, of course," and again Glen smiled.  "You need not
+look at me that way for I am no ghost.  I do not feel like one, anyway."
+
+Reynolds gave a sigh of relief, and a thrill of joy swept over him.  It
+was almost too good to be true.  He had found the girl at last!
+
+"Are you feeling better now?" Glen asked.
+
+Reynolds put his hand to his face, and glanced at the rags upon his
+body.
+
+"I am not sure," he doubtfully replied.  "But perhaps I shall when this
+beard is removed and I get some decent clothes.  I must be a fearful
+looking object."
+
+"I have seen you look better.  But, then, you need not worry, Klota
+will attend to you presently."
+
+"And you know who I am?" Reynolds eagerly asked.
+
+"Certainly.  You are my brave rescuer.  You saved me from the grizzly
+on Crooked Trail, didn't you?"
+
+"I know I did, but I am surprised that you recognize me in my present
+condition."
+
+"Oh, I knew you as soon as you were taken off the raft."
+
+"You did!  And so it was you who saved me?"
+
+"I had something to do with it, though not all.  But won't you tell me
+what happened to you?  Why were you adrift on the lake?"
+
+"I can not tell you now," Reynolds replied.  "I want to forget the
+terrible experiences through which I have just passed.  I hope you do
+not mind."
+
+"No, certainly not.  I am only curious, that's all.  When you get well
+you can tell me everything.  I shall leave you now, for you must be
+tired."
+
+"Don't go yet," Reynolds pleaded.  "It is so nice to have you here, and
+talking does not tire me.  Do you mind telling me where I am?"
+
+"Why, at Glen West, of course.  Where did you think you are?"
+
+"Glen West," Reynolds repeated.  "I cannot recall that name.  Is it far
+from Big Draw?"
+
+"Too far for anyone but you," and the girl smiled.  "You are beyond the
+Golden Crest, remember, and you have heard what that means."
+
+"I am!  Why, I thought one could only get here by crossing the range."
+
+"But you came by water; that is the only other way.  And it is lucky
+for you that you did," she added after a slight pause.
+
+"You mean that my life would be in danger had I come over Golden Crest?"
+
+"Most likely."
+
+"And am I safe now?"
+
+The sunny expression vanished from Glen's eyes, and her face became
+serious.  She gazed out of the window, as if watching several Indian
+children at play.  To Reynolds she had never seemed more beautiful, and
+he could hardly believe it possible that she was standing there but a
+few feet away.  She turned her face suddenly to his, and the look of
+admiration in his eyes brought a deep flush to her cheeks.
+
+"Pardon me for not answering your question at once," she began.  "I am
+afraid you are not safe, as you are on forbidden ground, though the
+fact that you were brought here in a helpless condition may make a
+difference.  But, then, one can never tell what daddy will think about
+it."
+
+"Does your father know I am here?"
+
+"Not yet.  He has been away in the hills for some time, and we are
+expecting him home at any minute."
+
+"What do you suppose he will do with me?  I fear he will find my bones
+poor picking after what I have gone through."
+
+"Oh, daddy is not such a cannibal as all that," Glen laughingly
+replied.  "But he is very jealous of this place, as others have found
+out to their sorrow.  I cannot understand him at times, although he is
+very good to me."
+
+"Have you lived here long?"
+
+"Ever since I was a child.  But I am tired of it now, and want to live
+outside.  I was satisfied until I attended the Seminary and saw
+something of the world beyond the Golden Crest.  What is the use of
+having an education if one must always live in a place like this?"
+
+"I agree with you," Reynolds emphatically declared.  "You should induce
+your father to go outside."
+
+"You do not know daddy, or you would not speak about inducing him.
+But, there, I must go.  I have been talking too much, and you are
+tired."
+
+Reynolds lay there thinking about Glen long after she had gone.  He had
+found her at last, and she was just as sweet and beautiful as the day
+he had rescued her on Crooked Trail.  Yes, he had found her, but was he
+not as far from gaining her as ever? he asked himself.  He thought
+about her father, and wondered what he would do when he returned home.
+Perhaps he would pack him at once across the Golden Crest, if he did no
+worse.  But what could be worse than to be driven from her who had
+become so dear to him, and for whose sake he had ventured and suffered
+so much?
+
+The next morning he felt almost like his former self, and when Klota
+brought him his breakfast, he informed her that he was going to get up.
+The woman smiled, left the room, and returned when Reynolds had
+finished the meal, and viewed with satisfaction the empty dishes.
+
+"Did you cook my breakfast?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Ah, ah," was the reply.  "Good, eh?"
+
+"Good!  It's the best I've had in a long time.  I feel like a new man
+this morning, and must get up.  I wish I had a shave, a bath, and some
+decent clothes.  Look at these," and he pointed to his rags.
+
+"Come," the woman simply ordered.  "Me fix you, all right."
+
+Reynolds at once got up, and followed her into the kitchen.  He was
+greatly surprised at the neatness of the place, as he had no idea that
+an Indian woman could be such a good housekeeper.  Klota noted his look
+of wonder, and smiled.
+
+"Injun all sam' white woman, eh?" she queried.
+
+"Why, yes.  You do all this?"
+
+"Ah, ah.  All sam' beeg house."
+
+She then opened a door to the left, and pointed within.
+
+"See.  All sam' white woman.  All sam' Missie Glen.  Savvey?"
+
+Reynolds certainly did understand, and with an exclamation of surprise
+and delight, he entered the little room, where he found a bath-tub
+partly filled with water, clean towels, a suit of clothes, and a
+shaving-outfit.
+
+"Where did all these things come from?" he asked.
+
+"Sconda fix 'em all sam' beeg house.  Savvey?"
+
+"And are these clothes for me?"
+
+"Ah, ah.  Missie Glen send 'em."
+
+Reynolds asked no more questions just then.  He was more than satisfied
+at the kindness he was receiving.  He believed it was due to Glen, and
+that she had instructed the Indians to do all in their power for his
+comfort.  This filled his heart with gladness, for it told him that the
+girl was interested in his welfare, and that she looked upon him with
+kindly eyes.  He was beginning to understand, too, something of Jim
+Weston's influence among the Indians.  He had taught them the value of
+cleanliness, at any rate, and if all the natives in the place were like
+Klota and her husband, it must be an ideal settlement.
+
+An hour later Reynolds came forth looking like a new man, and greatly
+refreshed after his bath.  Klota's eyes beamed their approval as he
+stood before her.
+
+"Do I look better now?" he asked.
+
+"Good," was the reply.  "All sam' white man.  No Injun now."
+
+Reynolds laughed as he went out of the house.  The woman amused him,
+although he was most grateful for her kindness.  It was a beautiful
+morning, and not a ripple ruffled the surface of the lake.  The village
+was astir with life, the voices of children and the barking of dogs
+resounding on every side.  No one interfered with him as he walked
+slowly along the street, but he could easily tell that he was being
+watched by many curious eyes.  He had the feeling, too, that he was a
+prisoner, and while he could roam about at will, to escape would be
+impossible.  The strong burly Indians he saw seemed to have nothing to
+do, but he knew that this was their idle season, and that during the
+winter they would be off to their hunting-grounds.
+
+Reynolds was much interested in the store which he presently reached.
+A couple of Indians were in charge, who nodded to him as he entered,
+but apparently paid no further attention to him after their formal
+salutation.  The building was well filled with all kinds of goods, and
+resembled a large up-to-date store in some large country town such as
+he had often seen.  The sight of pipes and tobacco made him realise
+that he had not smoked for days, and having his money with him, he soon
+made his purchase.  He stayed for a while at the store, smoking, and
+watching the customers as they came and went.  It was all of
+considerable interest to him, and he beheld in this trading-place
+another tangible evidence of Jim Weston's influence.
+
+He spent the rest of the morning wandering about the village, and it
+was noon by the time he returned to the house, which for the present he
+called home.  Here he found Sconda near the back door carefully
+examining a large bearskin.  He turned as the young man approached, and
+without the least sign of surprise, motioned to the skin.
+
+"See um?" he asked.  "Beeg skin, eh?"
+
+"It certainly is," was the reply.  "A grizzly?"
+
+"Ah, ha.  You shoot um, eh?"
+
+"Why, that's not the one I shot on Crooked Trail, is it?" Reynolds
+asked in astonishment.
+
+"Ah, ah.  All sam' bear.  Skin dry bimeby."
+
+"What are you going to do with it?  Will you let me have it?"
+
+Sconda shook his head as he again felt the skin.
+
+"Missie Glen get skin bimeby."
+
+"Is it for her?"
+
+"Ah, ah.  She want skin.  She send Injuns to Deep Gulch.  She tell
+Sconda make good skin.  Bimeby Missie Glen put skin in room, all sam'
+dis," and Sconda stooped and spread his hands over the ground.
+
+Reynolds understood, and his heart bounded with joy.  So Glen was going
+to keep the skin as a souvenir of her rescue on Crooked Trail.  Then
+she must care something for him after all, more than he had expected.
+The thought made him happier than he had been for days, and he was
+grateful to Sconda for what he had told him.
+
+That afternoon Glen came again to see him.  She was greatly pleased at
+the change in his appearance, and suggested that they should go for a
+spin upon the creek.
+
+"I want to show you what a beautiful place Glen West really is," she
+told him.  "We can take Sconda's canoe, which is at the shore."
+
+Reynolds was delighted, and eagerly he agreed to the proposition.  Glen
+seated herself in the middle of the canoe, and the deft manner in which
+she handled the paddle showed that she was well accustomed to the
+water.  Reynolds paddled aft, and headed the light craft up the creek.
+
+"I am anxious for you to see what a wonderful piece of water this arm
+of the lake is," Glen remarked.  "I have never seen anything like it in
+the north, and we are all very proud of it.  Oh, if more people could
+only see it!"
+
+She sighed as she drove the paddle into the water.  Reynolds was more
+intent upon watching the graceful poise of her body as it swayed to the
+rhythmic stroke of the paddle than he was in viewing the scenery.  He
+could hardly believe it true that she was seated there before him, and
+that he was privileged to watch her to his heart's content.  He was
+very happy, and to him Glen West was the most delightful place in the
+world.
+
+At length they came in front of the big house, and when Reynolds saw
+it, and also _The Frontiersman_ lying at her wharf, his interest was
+intense.  He ceased paddling, and stared in amazement.
+
+"Am I dreaming, or have I taken leave of my senses?" he asked.
+
+Glen laughed, as she rested on her paddle, and turned partly around.
+
+"That is where I live," she explained.  "And that is our boat.  You
+were brought in on it the day we picked you up on the lake."
+
+Reynolds made no immediate reply, but drove his paddle suddenly into
+the water.  He knew that this girl had been largely instrumental in
+saving his life, and he was learning more and more what an important
+part she was playing in his life, and how one by one the links were
+being formed to bind them closer together.
+
+Reynolds believed that he had seen the most wonderful sights in the
+north, but he had to confess that the grandest of all had been reserved
+for him that afternoon.  As they moved on their way, the creek
+narrowed, and passing through an opening with high frowning rocks on
+both sides, they ran into a body of water of unruffled calmness, with
+steep banks, wooded to the shores.  On the left rose the high ridge of
+the Golden Crest, as it shouldered in close to the stream, while on the
+right towered another crest, grand and austere.  Their pinnacles were
+reflected in the lake, which was one of nature's jewels of surpassing
+brilliance, set by unseen hands on the fair bosom of the virgin north.
+
+Many were the things the happy young couple talked about that
+afternoon.  They did not paddle all the time, but often were content to
+let the canoe drift or lie still along the shore.  Glen described the
+life at the Seminary and at Glen West, while Reynolds told of his
+terrible experiences in the hills and his voyage on the raft down the
+river.
+
+"I am afraid that Frontier Samson is still hunting for me," he said.
+"He is a fine old man, so kind and humorous.  Have you ever met him,
+Miss Weston?"
+
+"Not to my knowledge," was the reply, "although I have heard a great
+deal about him."
+
+"He has never been here, I suppose?"
+
+"Oh, no.  Daddy never permits any white man to come, not even that old
+prospector."
+
+"But I am here," Reynolds reminded.
+
+"I know you are.  But you came in a different way, you see.  I believe
+you are the first white man who ever stayed this length of time here."
+
+"I would like to stay here forever," Reynolds fervently declared.  "I
+have never been so happy in my life as I have been since I came to this
+place.  I wonder what your father will do when he comes home."
+
+"I wish I knew," and Glen sighed.  "Anyway, it's no use to worry about
+that now.  Let us enjoy ourselves while we can."
+
+It was supper time when they at length reached Sconda's shore, where
+they pulled the canoe out of the water.  They then walked up to the
+house, talking and laughing like two children.  They had just reached
+the street, when a strange noise to their left arrested their
+attention.  Looking in that direction, they saw a number of Indian men
+and children surrounding a man, who was evidently a prisoner.  As they
+drew nearer, Reynolds saw that it was a white man, and that his hands
+were tied behind his back.
+
+"Another prisoner, I believe," he remarked.  "I shall have company."
+
+Then he gave a sudden start, and took a quick step forward as if to
+obtain a better view.
+
+"Why, it's Curly!" he exclaimed.  "What in the world is he doing here!"
+
+But Glen made no reply.  Her eyes were fixed upon the prisoner, and her
+face was very white, as she turned slightly, as if about to flee into
+the house.  In another minute Curly was near, and a most wretched
+figure he presented.  His clothes were torn and his face dirty and
+bleeding.  He had apparently received severe treatment at the hands of
+his captors.  He walked with a shambling and unsteady gait, with his
+eyes fixed upon the ground.  But as he came to where Glen and Reynolds
+were standing, he suddenly lifted his head, and seeing the two, he
+stopped dead in his tracks.  For an instant he stared as if he had not
+seen aright.  Then his face became contorted with a mingled expression
+of surprise and hatred.  He strained at his bonds in a desperate effort
+to free himself, but he was immediately checked by his Indian
+guardians, who caught him by the arms, and hustled him along.  He
+struggled violently for a few seconds, pouring forth at the same time a
+stream of blood-curdling oaths, abuse and vile words, which caused Glen
+to put her hands to her ears, and flee hurriedly into the house, while
+Reynolds slowly followed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+JIM WESTON
+
+Glen's mind was greatly agitated as she made her way slowly homeward.
+Curly's presence was the cause of this, as she feared that her father
+would be so angry with the villain that it would make it hard for
+Reynolds.  He might imagine that the two were in league with each
+other, as they were both from Big Draw.  She despised Curly, knowing
+what a vile loathsome creature he was, and she had a very fair idea why
+he had ventured across the Golden Crest.  Had he not avowed his
+affection for her at the dance, and had told her that he would run any
+risk to meet her again?  How glad she had been that night when Sconda
+came for her, and she could free herself from her unwelcome and
+insistent suitor.  And Curly was now a prisoner at Glen West!  She
+shuddered as she recalled the look on his face when he saw her and
+Reynolds together.  And his language!  She could not get the terrible
+words out of her mind.  The meaning of some she did not know, never
+having heard them before, but she fully realised that they must be very
+bad, or else Curly would not have used them in his rage.  And should he
+now escape, there was no telling what his revengeful spirit might lead
+him to do, either to herself, or to him who was now beginning to mean
+so much to her.
+
+Thinking thus, she reached the house, and as soon as she entered she
+knew that her father was at home, for the door of his private room was
+open.  He was seated at his desk when he turned and saw her.  Springing
+to his feet, he caught her in his arms, kissed her on both cheeks, and
+then holding her at the full length of his powerful arms, he looked
+eagerly and lovingly upon her now flushed and excited face.
+
+"Why, you are getting better looking every day," he declared.  "Just
+like your dear mother at her age.  My, my, how the time has gone! and
+it seems but yesterday that I first met her.  But, there, there, I must
+not give way to such feelings on this my first night home.  Come, sit
+by my side and tell me all about yourself, and how things are going at
+Glen West."
+
+For the first time in her young life Glen was sorry that her father had
+come home.  She was really more than sorry, for a nameless fear
+possessed her heart, which restrained her usual free and happy manner.
+Her father's keen intuition noted this, and that her words seemed
+forced.  Her enthusiasm over his arrival was not so hearty and natural
+as formerly, and he wondered why.
+
+"What is the matter, dear?" he asked after Glen had somewhat haltingly
+told him about her music and certain household affairs.  "You do not
+seem like yourself.  Has anything out of the ordinary happened at Glen
+West since I have been away?"
+
+"Yes, lots of things, daddy," was the reply.  "One of the most
+important is your absence from home for such a length of time.  You
+should be ashamed of yourself."
+
+Weston laughed, although he felt quite sure that she was evading the
+real issue.
+
+"I am sorry, dear, and I make my humble confession now.  But what else
+of importance has been taking place?"
+
+"I was nearly eaten up by a bear on Crooked Trail, and it was a grizzly
+at that."
+
+Glen was surprised that her father did not seem more concerned, and she
+told him so.
+
+"You take it very coolly, daddy.  Just think, you might have come home
+and not found me here."
+
+"I am very thankful that you escaped, dear, but did I not forbid your
+going so far alone beyond the Golden Crest?  I hope your experience has
+taught you a lesson.  How were you saved from the grizzly?"
+
+"Oh, a hunter shot it just in the nick of time," Glen explained as
+indifferently as possible, although she knew that her cheeks were
+aflame.  "And, oh, daddy, you should have seen the shot he made; it was
+wonderful!"
+
+"Where was the hunter from, Glen?"
+
+"From Big Draw mining camp, so I understand."
+
+"Were you talking to him?"
+
+"Yes, just for a few minutes."
+
+"And have you seen him since?"
+
+Glen's eyes dropped and the flush left her cheeks.  Her father noted
+this, and he laid his right hand suddenly upon her arm.
+
+"Speak, Glen, and tell me at once whether you have seen him since."
+
+Something in her father's voice startled the girl, and she looked up
+quickly into his face.
+
+"Tell me," he again demanded.  "What is the matter?  Have you seen that
+man lately?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Here."
+
+"At Glen West?  He has been here, and you have seen him?  Are you sure?"
+
+"I am certain.  I was with him this afternoon in the canoe.  But,
+daddy, what is the matter?  Oh, don't get angry.  I didn't do anything
+wrong."
+
+Jim Weston had risen to his feet, and was looking down upon his
+daughter.  He was a powerfully-built man, of more than ordinary height.
+The northern winter was in his thick hair and heavy moustache, while
+his steady light-blue eyes and firm, well-built chin betokened a strong
+will power of unyielding determination.  Glen had often expressed her
+unbounded admiration for her father, and believed him to be the most
+handsome man in the world.  But now he seemed like an avenging god,
+about to visit upon her the force of his wrath.  For the first time in
+her life she cowered before him, and hid her face in her hands.
+
+"And you say that your rescuer is here?" Weston at length asked.  "When
+did he come, and where is he staying?"
+
+"We saved him from a raft out on the lake just before that fearful
+storm," Glen faintly replied.  "He was almost dead, and in a minute
+more he would have been drowned.  Oh, it was terrible!  He is now at
+Sconda's."
+
+"Another miner's trick, I suppose, to get here," Weston growled.  "It
+has been tried before, but with scanty success.  This must be one more
+fool who was trying the same game."
+
+"He is not a fool," Glen stoutly protested, lifting her eyes defiantly
+to her father's face.  "Mr. Reynolds is a gentleman.  He is different
+from the rest of the miners."
+
+"What was he doing out on the lake?" her father asked.
+
+"He got lost in the hills, and nearly died.  He drifted down the Tasan
+River on a raft which he built.  He was almost starved to death."
+
+"And what was he doing in the hills?"
+
+"Prospecting, so he told me.  He was with Frontier Samson, and, going
+after a moose, lost his way."
+
+"H'm," Weston grunted.  "A trumped-up yarn, no doubt.  Don't you think
+it looks rather suspicious?"
+
+"It might if it were someone else.  But he is different, and I believe
+he told me the truth."
+
+"Well, we shall soon find out, Glen.  If he begins any of his lies or
+fancy tales to me, he will learn his mistake.  I am not going to have
+any young man wandering about this region, let me tell you that.  It
+has been tried too often already, so we might as well make a special
+example of him in order to warn others.  It's the 'Ordeal' for him, all
+right."
+
+At these words Glen sprang to her feet and confronted her father.  Her
+eyes were blazing with intense emotion, and Jim Weston stared at her in
+amazement.  A feeling of pride welled up within him at her appearance
+and courage.
+
+"You shall not lay hands on him," Glen passionately declared.  "He is
+an innocent man, and it would be unjust to hurt him."
+
+"Glen, Glen, what is the meaning of this?" her father demanded.  "You
+seem to be greatly interested in this fellow.  I am surprised at you."
+
+"I am interested, daddy.  Nay, I am more than interested, for I love
+him with my whole heart, so there.  Don't you dare to touch him."
+
+The strain of this interview was telling upon Glen.  As soon as this
+confession had left her lips, she was wild with regret.  Why had she
+done this? she asked herself, as she stood with big staring eyes
+watching her father.  What would he say?  What would he not do to her?
+Her body trembled, a weakness swept upon her, and sinking down into her
+chair, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed as if her heart
+would break.
+
+If Jim Weston was astonished before, he was dumbfounded now at what his
+daughter had told him.  His heart went out in a great rush of pity to
+his only child and he longed to take her in his arms and comfort her.
+But he felt that he must be firm and not give way to any feeling of
+emotion at a time like this.  Instead, he laid his hand somewhat
+heavily upon her shoulder.
+
+"Does this fellow, Reynolds, know of your love?" he asked.
+
+"No, no; he has not the least idea of it," was the low reply.
+
+"And he has not avowed his love to you?  Are you sure?"
+
+"I am certain.  He has never given the least sign that he cares for me
+more than if I were an ordinary acquaintance.  But he is a gentleman
+both in word and action."
+
+For a few minutes Jim Weston stood lost in thought.  It seemed to Glen
+as if he would never speak.  The silence of the room was so intense
+that she was sure her fast-beating heart could be distinctly heard.
+
+"I must have time to think this over, Glen," her father at length
+informed her.  "You may go now and get ready for supper.  Nannie has
+been kept waiting too long already."
+
+Never before had Glen heard her father speak to her in such a cold,
+peremptory manner.  Slowly she rose to her feet and walked across the
+room.  Her head was aching, and she was glad to get away, anywhere in
+order that she might be alone, and from her father's stern, accusing
+eyes.
+
+She had almost reached the door, when Sconda stood suddenly before her.
+She paused, while the Indian entered and walked at once toward his
+master.
+
+"Well, Sconda, what is it?" the latter demanded, annoyed at the
+native's intrusion at this critical moment.  "Anything wrong?"
+
+Weston spoke in the Indian language, with which he was most familiar.
+
+"Big White Chief," Sconda began, "the Golden Crest has been crossed.
+Another white man is here."
+
+"I know it," was the curt reply.  "He came by water this time, so I
+understand."
+
+"Not by water, Big White Chief, but through the pass, over Crooked
+Trail."
+
+"He did!  Why, Glen, you told me he came by way of the lake.  Have you
+been deceiving me, girl?"
+
+"Indeed I have not," was the emphatic and somewhat angry denial.  "I am
+surprised that you think I would deceive you, daddy.  Sconda refers to
+someone else.  It is Curly who came by the pass, and not Mr. Reynolds."
+
+"Curly!  Curly here, did you say?" Weston almost shouted the words, and
+so fierce did he look that the Indian retreated a step.
+
+"Ah, ah, Curly here," Sconda replied.
+
+"When did he come?"
+
+"To-day.  He was caught as he came through the pass.  He shot, but
+missed."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"At Taku's."
+
+Weston placed his hand to his forehead in perplexity.
+
+"This is certainly a great home-coming," he muttered.  "Trouble
+everywhere, with white men entering the place by lake and pass.  Look,
+Sconda, bring Curly here in one hour.  See?"
+
+The Indian merely nodded.
+
+"And get ready for the Ordeal at once.  Savvey?"
+
+"Ah, ah, Sconda savvey," was the reply, and with that he left the house.
+
+Glen went, too, without another word to her father, and hurried to her
+own room.  It was a cozy place, fitted up with every comfort, and she
+loved it dearly.  But now it seemed to her like a prison.  She longed
+to throw herself upon the bed and give vent to her feelings in a flood
+of tears.  But she knew that her father would be expecting her
+downstairs, so it was necessary to make haste.
+
+When at last she entered the dining-room, Weston was already there,
+talking with Nannie.  The latter noticed Glen's pale face, but made no
+comment.  With her naturally keen intuition, she divined the cause of
+the trouble and discreetly said nothing.
+
+During the meal Weston seemed like an altogether different man, and
+talked and laughed in the most animated manner.  He told a number of
+his experiences in the hills, several of which were of a humorous
+nature.  Glen tried to be interested, although she found it difficult
+to follow what her father was saying.  He puzzled her more than ever.
+Why was he so stern and cruel at times, and again so bright and merry?
+He did not seem the least angry now at her, neither was he apparently
+concerned about the two prisoners at Glen West.
+
+When supper was ended, Weston pushed back his chair and lighted a cigar.
+
+"My, that tastes good," he commented.  "It's the first I've had in a
+long time.  Now for some music, Glen."
+
+Music!  Glen started and looked at her father, as if she had not heard
+aright.  What did he mean?  Was he going to add further torture to her
+racked brain by asking her to play and sing?  She had hardly spoken a
+word during the meal, and had barely tasted her food.  This Weston
+noted, and he well understood the reason.  How much will she safely
+stand? he asked himself.  He was about to repeat his suggestion, when
+Sconda arrived, and with him came Curly, guarded by two stalwart
+Indians.  Glen breathed a sigh of relief at this timely interruption,
+and leaving the table, she fled at once to the seclusion of her own
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ORDEAL
+
+"What are you doing here?"
+
+Curly was a sorry looking specimen of humanity as he stood before his
+stern questioner, the ruler of Glen West.  His clothes were torn, and
+his face dirty and unshaven.  His eyes glowed with a sullen light of
+hatred, mingled with a nameless fear as he glanced furtively around the
+room.
+
+"What are you doing here?" Weston repeated.  "Why don't you answer?
+Are you deaf?"
+
+"I was prospectin'," was the surly reply.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In the hills, north of Crooked Trail."
+
+"And why did you come through the pass?"
+
+"Me pardner an' I got lost; that's why."
+
+"Who was your partner?"
+
+"Slim Fales, from Big Draw."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"Search me.  He escaped, while I got pinched."
+
+"Did you expect to find gold near the Golden Crest?"
+
+"We thought it worth the try."
+
+"You know better now, don't you?"
+
+Curly made no reply, but kept his eyes fixed upon the floor.
+
+"It seems to me that you were prospecting for something more valuable
+than gold, weren't you?" Weston queried.
+
+"What do you mean?" and Curly lifted his head.
+
+"You were prospecting for a woman, and that woman happens to be my
+daughter.  Deny it, if you dare."
+
+"I do deny it," Curly stoutly protested.  "Your daughter is nothing to
+me."
+
+Jim Weston's right hand toyed with a paper-weight on his desk, and his
+eyes gleamed with anger.
+
+"You lie, Curly, and you know it," he charged.  "You have had your foul
+eyes upon my daughter ever since you first saw her.  You have declared
+over and over again that one day she would be yours."
+
+Curly's face grew livid, and he tried to speak.  But Weston lifted his
+hand.
+
+"Wait until I am through," he thundered.  "Have you not used my
+daughter's name very often while gambling?  And did you not bet a short
+time ago at Big Draw that you would cross the Golden Crest and lure my
+daughter to a fate worse than death?  You know it is true, and yet you
+have the impudence to stand here and deny it."
+
+Curly's eyes were again fixed upon the floor, and he made no reply to
+this accusation.  His terror of this man was becoming great.  How did
+he know so much? he asked himself.
+
+"Now, what should be done to a thing like you?" Weston continued.
+"Your record is well known, not only here but all along the coast.  No
+innocent woman or girl is safe when you are around, and you are a
+menace to any community.  You leave the marks of your filthy trail
+wherever you go.  And you are not alone in your villainous deeds, for
+there are others just like you, who defy the laws of God and man.  So
+far you have escaped, but now you shall pay for your vile and cowardly
+acts.  It would be a sin to allow a creature like you to remain at
+large.  It is far better to settle with you immediately and thus make
+you incapable of doing more harm in the future.  You took it upon
+yourself to enter Glen West to ruin my daughter, and you must abide by
+the result."
+
+Curly fully understood the meaning of these words, and his face
+blanched with terror.  He lifted his eyes and tried to speak.  But
+intelligible words failed to come, for he was almost paralyzed with
+fear.
+
+"Death is too good a punishment for you," Weston resumed.  "But as that
+is about the only thing which will strike terror into the hearts of
+human devils, of which you are the chief, it must be done.  It may
+teach others to keep clear of Glen West after this."
+
+With a howl Curly dropped upon his knees.  His teeth chattered, and his
+body trembled violently.  He stretched out his hands in a beseeching
+manner.
+
+"For God's sake, don't kill me!" he yelled.  "Let me go, an' I swear
+I'll never come near this place again."
+
+"H'm, you are too late with your prayers, Curly.  It's nothing less
+than the Ordeal for you now, so stop your yelps.  If you don't of your
+own accord, we shall be forced to do something to make you."
+
+He then turned to Sconda and gave a brief order in the Indian tongue.
+The next instant Curly was hurried out of the house, and down the trail
+leading to the village.
+
+Weston sat for a while in his room after the others had gone.  The grim
+expression had now left his face, and his eyes twinkled, while a smile
+lurked about the corners of his mouth.  Anyone watching would have
+pronounced him the most hardened villain in existence.  How could a man
+smile who had just sentenced a fellow creature to death?  This man's
+heart must be hard and cold as an iceberg.  But Weston's thoughts were
+evidently not unpleasant, and when he at length picked up his hat and
+left the house he was in an excellent frame of mind.  Could Glen have
+seen him then she would have wondered more than ever.
+
+The light of day had not yet faded from the land, although the high
+ridge of the Golden Crest placed the village in deep shadows.  The sky
+was heavy with big clouds, presaging a storm.  The wind was steadily
+increasing, and Weston knew that the rain would shortly be upon them.
+
+He continued on his way down through the village, past the store and
+the last house in the place until he came to the edge of a thicket of
+firs and jack-pines.  Here he paused and listened intently, but no
+sound could he hear.  Advancing fifty yards more, he left the main
+thoroughfare and entered upon a narrow trail leading down toward the
+lake.  The trees were thicker here, and the ground suddenly sloped to a
+valley a short distance ahead.  Weston needed no light to guide him,
+and he walked with the assurance of one well acquainted with his
+surroundings.
+
+In a few minutes a light gleamed through the trees, and a smile of
+satisfaction overspread Weston's face.  He knew that the natives were
+obeying orders and doing their part.  Beyond was a small clearing, and
+coming to the edge of this, he again paused and watched unseen all that
+was taking place.
+
+It was a most gruesome spot, this Valley of the Ordeal, and Curly was
+by no means the first who had been conducted hither.  But no one had
+ever come in a more cringing manner than did this latest victim.  Some
+had shown the craven spirit, and had begged for mercy, while others had
+fought and cursed their captors.  But Curly was different.  Whatever
+spark of manhood he possessed deserted him the moment he left the big
+house on the hill.  He sank upon the ground, and his guards had to drag
+him along by main force.
+
+He wept and moaned all the way through the village until the valley was
+reached.  Then what he beheld struck him dumb with terror, and for a
+while he sat crouched upon the ground, staring wild-eyed upon the
+Indians as they began their preparations for the Ordeal.
+
+There were about two dozen natives present, and they knew their work
+thoroughly, due, no doubt, to considerable experience in the past.
+Near the edge of the thicket, on the opposite side of the clearing from
+where Weston was standing, was the blackened stump of a big fir tree.
+To this Curly was dragged, and several of the men were forced to hold
+him up while he was being securely bound with his back to the trunk.
+About his feet dry wood was then placed, and half way up his body.
+When this had been accomplished, the Indians formed themselves in a
+circle about the unhappy man, and began to chant a slow weird dirge in
+the native tongue.
+
+Between them and the tree of punishment a small fire was burning, and
+the light from this clearly exposed the face of the bound man.  His
+eyes were dilated with terror, his weak lower jaw had dropped, and his
+mouth was wide open.  So overcome was he, that he had no strength left
+to stand, so his entire weight rested upon his bonds.  Never was there
+a more pitiable object of abject terror and cowardice.  But the Indians
+did not seem in the least affected by their captive's misery.  With
+stern, impassive faces they went on with their chanting, which steadily
+increased in weirdness as they continued.
+
+At length they ceased, and at once Sconda seized a burning brand from
+the fire and approached the prisoner.  Then wild shrieks rent the air
+as Curly frantically struggled to free himself.  He might as well have
+addressed his words to the trees which surrounded him, as to those grim
+natives of the north.
+
+Sconda had already stooped, as if to touch the brand to the inflammable
+material about the victim's feet, when Weston stepped within the ring,
+and ordered him to wait.  Sconda immediately straightened himself up
+and stepped back.
+
+"Save me!  Save me!" Curly yelled.  "Don't let these devils burn me!
+For God's sake, save me!  Oh, oh!"
+
+For a few seconds Weston stood with folded arms looking upon the
+helpless man.  Then his lips curled in a sarcastic smile.
+
+"You've got only yourself to blame for this," he began.  "Did you not
+bet that you would defy all the power of Glen West, and lure my
+daughter to her ruin?  You can't deny it."
+
+"No, no, I don't deny it.  I was a fool, a madman.  But save me, oh,
+save me!  Don't let them burn me!"
+
+"Do you think you are worth saving, Curly Inkles?  You are a
+plague-spot in any community.  You have brought untold misery upon many
+innocent ones, and why should you be allowed to do so to others?"
+
+"I will never do any harm again," Curly whined.  "I swear by all that
+is holy that I will change my life."
+
+"Bah, I wouldn't give the snap of a finger for all the oaths you make,
+Curly.  You don't know the meaning of an oath.  Your soul is so seared
+and blackened that one might as well try to change that stump to which
+you are bound into a living one as to transform you into a good
+citizen.  No, it is better for you to be off the earth than on it."
+
+"But it's murder!" Curly yelled.  "Would you murder a helpless man?
+You will hang for it, and all these devils here."
+
+"How do you dare to speak about murdering a helpless man?" Weston
+asked.  "What happened to Bill Ducett, at Black Ravine?"
+
+At these words Curly's eyes fairly started from their sockets, and the
+perspiration poured down his face in great beads.
+
+"W-what d'ye know about that?" he gasped.  "W-who are you, anyway?"
+
+"Oh, never mind who I am, or how much I know.  It is sufficient for the
+present to say that I have all the knowledge necessary to stretch your
+neck.  You have now run the length of your wild career, and it shows
+you that it is impossible to escape justice here or anywhere else.
+But, there, I've wasted too much time talking to you, so get ready."
+
+"Oh, oh, don't burn me!" Curly shrieked, as Weston turned and spoke to
+Sconda.
+
+"Burn you?  No!" was the contemptuous reply.  "I wouldn't foul this
+place by burning a thing like you; it wouldn't be fair to others who
+have been brought here.  They all were men with some sparks of
+manliness and spirit left in their bodies.  But you, bah!"
+
+He motioned to Sconda, who at once cut the bonds, and Curly fell
+forward at Weston's feet.
+
+"Get up," the latter ordered, "and never let me catch you again on this
+side of the Golden Crest.  The Indians will deal with you now.  After
+that, they will dump you beyond the pass, and the sooner you hit the
+trail for Big Draw the better it will be for you.  Thank your stars,
+Curly Inkles, that you have escaped this time."
+
+There was much suppressed excitement in Glen West that night, for many
+had heard the shrieks of terror from the Valley of the Ordeal.  But no
+one dared to question the four and twenty men who later that evening
+crowded into the store where they received a liberal supply of tobacco
+ordered by their Big White Chief.  They were men who could be trusted,
+and they well knew how to keep a secret.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+MAN TO MAN
+
+Reynolds learned from Klota of Weston's return home, and he was anxious
+to meet the man who ruled Glen West, and was so greatly feared by the
+miners throughout the country.  He could not believe that the father of
+such a girl as Glen could be the monster he had been depicted.  He
+wished to see and learn for himself what the man was really like, and
+he hoped that he would be sent for at once to give an account of
+himself.  Nothing, however, happened that evening, and he saw no more
+of Glen.
+
+He was seated near the house when Curly was dragged by on his way to
+the Valley of the Ordeal.  Although the shadows of evening were heavy,
+Reynolds realised who the victim was, and that he was being taken away
+for punishment, of what nature he could not tell.  Going into the
+house, he questioned Klota, but received no satisfaction.  The woman
+merely shook her head, and refused to give any information.  This both
+puzzled and worried him.  There was some mystery connected with this
+affair, and he made up his mind to find out what it was.
+
+Hurrying down the street and past the store, he was almost to the edge
+of the thicket, when several natives barred his way, and sternly
+ordered him to go back.  There was nothing he could do, so he was
+reluctantly obliged to obey.  He returned to the store, and standing
+outside listened intently in an effort to learn whatever he could.
+Neither did he have long to wait, for presently up from the gloomy
+thicket rose the blood-curdling yells of someone in distress, and he
+knew that it must be Curly undergoing the Ordeal, whatever that might
+be.  A cold chill swept over him, accompanied by a fierce anger.  Was
+this village the abode of murderers, with Jim Weston as their leader?
+he asked himself.  Were they murdering Curly down there, and had other
+men been treated in a similar manner?  And would he himself be the next
+victim?
+
+He had heard enough, and as there was nothing he could do, he went back
+to the house, where he passed a sleepless night.  He could not get
+those cries of distress out of his mind, and he wondered whether he
+should not try to escape under cover of night.  He banished this idea,
+however, as useless.  He thought, too, of Glen.  Would she allow the
+Indians to put him to death?  He recalled what she had said about her
+father; how little she understood him, and that she had no idea what he
+might do.
+
+Early the next morning he was standing by the side of the lake, when he
+saw _The Frontiersman_ cutting through the water, headed downstream.  A
+lone figure was standing well aft, and he at once recognized it as
+Glen.  She waved her hand to him as the boat sped by, and he could see
+her standing there until a bend in the shore hid her from view.  Going
+back to the house he learned from Klota that the master of Glen West
+had gone down to the Yukon River for his mail.  It was always left at
+the trading-post by the steamers on their way down river.  It generally
+took a whole day to make the trip there and back.  This information
+caused Reynolds considerable disappointment, as he would not be able to
+meet Weston or his daughter that day.
+
+The sun was just disappearing beyond the mountain peaks when _The
+Frontiersman_ returned, and ran up the creek to her wharf.  Reynolds,
+watching, hoped to see Glen upon the deck.  But he looked for her in
+vain, and he wondered what had become of her.  Was it possible that her
+father had sent her outside? he asked himself.
+
+Sconda did not come home for supper, but about an hour later he
+appeared with two other Indians, and informed Reynolds that the Big
+White Chief wished to see him.  Reynolds now knew that the critical
+moment had arrived, so without the least hesitation he accompanied his
+guards, who conducted him at once to the big house on the hill.
+
+Jim Weston was seated at his desk as the prisoner was ushered in.  The
+first glance at the man told Reynolds that he was a person who would
+stand no nonsense or quibbling.  Boldness must be met with boldness,
+and nothing but candour and truthfulness would serve him now.  He
+looked about the room.  Shelves well filled with books showed that
+their owner was a reader and a student.  The walls were adorned with
+trophies of the chase, such as fine antlers of moose, caribou, and
+great horns of mountain sheep, while several large and valuable bear
+and wolf-skin rugs were stretched out upon the floor.
+
+"What are you doing here, young man?"
+
+These words deliberately uttered brought Reynolds back from his
+contemplation of the room.
+
+"Do you really want to know?" he asked, looking Weston full in the eyes.
+
+"Certainly.  What did I ask you for, then?"
+
+"Well, I am here because I was brought in on your boat."
+
+"I know that," wag the impatient reply.  "But what were you doing in
+this region?"
+
+"I was looking for your daughter, sir.  That's what I was doing."
+
+Jim Weston's eyes grew suddenly big with amazement at this candid
+confession.  Had the prisoner made any other reply he would have known
+at once what to say.  But to see him standing so calmly there, looking
+him straight in the eyes, disconcerted him for a minute.
+
+"Looking for my daughter, were you?" he at length found voice to ask.
+
+"That's just it.  But she found me instead."
+
+"Are you not afraid to make such a confession, young man?"
+
+"Afraid!  Of what?"
+
+"Of what might happen to you."
+
+Reynolds shrugged his shoulders, and smiled.
+
+"Why should I be afraid?  I have done nothing wrong.  You are the one,
+sir, to blame."
+
+"I!" Weston exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+"Yes, you, for possessing such a captivating daughter.  Why, she won my
+heart the first time I saw her.  She is the most charming girl I ever
+met, and it was love at first sight with me."
+
+"Look here," and Weston shifted uneasily in his chair.  "Are you in
+earnest, or are you making fun of me?  Do you realise what you are
+saying?  Have you the least idea what my daughter means to me?  Why,
+she is more to me than life, and all my interests are bound up in her."
+
+"I can well understand it, sir.  And let me tell you that you are not
+the only one.  She is also to me more than life, and all my interests
+as well as yours are bound up in her."
+
+"You certainly have a great deal of impudence to speak in such a manner
+about my daughter," Weston retorted.  "You surely must have heard what
+a risk it would be to venture into Glen West.  Others have come here in
+the past, and I suppose you have some idea how they fared."
+
+"I am not worried about what happened to them, sir.  From what I know,
+I believe they deserved all that came to them.  But my case is
+different.  I love your daughter, and merely came to see her.  If she
+does not return my love, that is all there is about it.  I shall go
+away and trouble her no more."
+
+"And so you were willing to run such a risk with the vague uncertainty
+of winning my daughter?  Did you stop to count the cost?"
+
+"I did.  But it has been said by one, who is considered an authority,
+that
+
+  "'He is not worthy of the honey-comb
+  'That shuns the hive because the bees have stings.'"
+
+"Who said that?" Weston asked.
+
+"No less a person than Master Shakespeare himself.  He is a safe guide
+to all young lovers."
+
+"I like those words," and Weston glanced toward his books.  "I have
+read much in Shakespeare, but cannot remember that saying.  I admire
+your spirit, too, and it is a great pity that you have not used it in
+some other cause.  Were you alone in this fool-chase of yours?"
+
+"Not at all.  For a while I had the company of a fine old man, Frontier
+Samson by name.  No doubt you have heard of him."
+
+"Indeed, I have, and a bigger rascal never lived."
+
+"Rascal! do you say?"
+
+"Yes, and a mean one at that.  He is a deceiver, and should be driven
+out of the country.  He has given me more trouble than any man I ever
+met."
+
+"Then the fault must be yours, sir, and I am sorry for you.  That old
+prospector has been to me a true friend ever since I met him on the
+Northern Light.  I fear he is much worried over my disappearance, and
+no doubt he thinks that I am lying dead somewhere in the wilderness."
+
+"H'm, don't you worry about him.  Most likely he is pleased to be rid
+of you."
+
+"I cannot believe that of him," Reynolds stoutly defended.  "Anyway, he
+would not treat a man as a prisoner and a criminal such as you do.  He
+is a true friend, so I believe, and one of Nature's gentlemen."
+
+"A queer gentleman," and Weston smiled for the first time during the
+interview.  "I am surprised that you consider him as one."
+
+"I wish I could consider all I have met in the same light.  Such men
+are altogether too rare.  He is the only perfect gentleman, to my way
+of thinking, I have encountered since coming north."
+
+"Do you not consider me one?"
+
+"Not from what I have so far observed."
+
+"How dare you say that?"
+
+"I have always been in the habit of fitting my words to whom I am
+talking.  To a gentleman I talk as a gentleman, and to a brute as a
+brute."
+
+"And a brute you consider me.  Is that it?"
+
+"Not altogether.  I could not imagine a brute of a man having such a
+daughter as you are blest with.  There must be something good about
+you, but just what it is, I have not yet discovered.  But, there, I
+have said enough.  I want to know why you brought me here.  I am not a
+child nor a fool, neither am I a criminal, and I do not wish to be
+treated as if I were one of them."
+
+"You had better be careful how you speak," Weston warned.  "You are in
+my hands, remember, and I can do what I like with you."
+
+"Can you?  But who gave you authority over the lives of others?  Did
+you not assume it yourself?  And to aid you in your work of terrorizing
+people, you have gathered around you a band of Indians, who obey your
+slightest command."
+
+"Talk all you like," and again Weston smiled.  "Your boldness and
+impudence are refreshing after the craven spirits which have appeared
+before me in the past.  But you will change your tone when you face the
+Ordeal."
+
+"Act like Curly did last night?  Is that what you mean?"
+
+"What! did you hear him?"
+
+"How could anyone help hearing him?  I thought he would uproot the
+trees with his yells.  What were you doing to him?  Sticking pins in
+him?"
+
+"You seem to treat the Ordeal as a joke," and Weston looked keenly at
+the young man.
+
+"And why shouldn't I?  In fact, I consider you and your tom-foolery as
+the biggest joke I ever heard."
+
+"But it was no joke to Curly."
+
+"Apparently not, judging by the noise he made.  What did you do with
+him?"
+
+"What did I do with him!  Just wait until you see the blackened tree to
+which he was bound, and then you won't ask such a question."
+
+"I can readily understand how Curly would blacken anything he touched,
+even a tree.  But you didn't burn him.  Such a diabolical thing is not
+in your makeup."
+
+"What did I do with him, then?"
+
+"Scared him almost out of his wits, and then let him go."
+
+"How did you learn that?" Weston demanded.  "Have the Indians been
+telling you anything?"
+
+"I don't have to depend upon the natives for common sense.  I have a
+little left yet, thank God, and reason tells me that Curly is now
+beyond the Golden Crest, cursing and vowing vengeance upon you and your
+associates."
+
+"And no one told you all this?" Weston inquired.  "Are you sure?"
+
+"Certain.  No one told me a word.  You have your Indians well trained."
+
+Weston gave a deep sigh of relief, and remained silent for a few
+minutes.  What he was thinking about Reynolds had not the faintest
+idea.  Nevertheless, he watched him closely, expecting any instant to
+be ordered away for the Ordeal.  He believed that his boldness and
+straightforward manner had made some impression upon the ruler of Glen
+West, but how much he could not tell.
+
+And as he stood waiting, a sound from the room across the hallway
+arrested his attention.  It was music, sweet and full of pathos.
+Reynolds at once knew that it must be Glen.  It could be no other, and
+he was determined to see her once more ere her father should drive him
+from the place.
+
+Turning suddenly, he started to leave the room, but his guards sprang
+forward and caught him by the arms.  Savagely he threw them aside, for
+nothing but death, could stop him now.  The Indians were about to leap
+upon him again, when a sharp command in the native tongue from Weston
+caused them to desist.  In another second Reynolds was out of the room,
+and hurrying toward her for whom he had ventured so much.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE PREPARED ROOM
+
+The trip down to the big river was not altogether to Glen's liking.
+She preferred to stay at home, as she hoped to be able to spend part of
+the day with Reynolds, But her father had insisted upon her
+accompanying him, for he well knew why she wished to remain behind.
+
+"It will do you good," he told her.  "You need a change."
+
+"I certainly do," was the emphatic reply.  "I wish you would leave this
+place, daddy.  I am tired living up here, where there are no people of
+my own age with whom I can associate."
+
+Weston looked at his daughter in surprise.
+
+"You used to be happy here, Glen.  What has come over you?"
+
+"I am older now, daddy, and see things in a different light.  What is
+the good of my education if I am to spend the rest of my days in a
+place like this?  The north is all right in a way, but for a girl such
+as I am the life is too narrow.  It is a splendid region for a person
+who wishes to lead the quiet life, but I am not ready for that at
+present."
+
+Weston made no reply to his daughter's words, but remained silent for
+some time as he stood with Sconda in the wheel-house.  A worried
+expression appeared in his eyes, and his brow often knit in perplexity.
+He was keenly searching his own heart and mind such as he had not done
+in years.  It was the first time that Glen had spoken to him so
+candidly about leaving the north, and he realised that she meant what
+she said.
+
+There was a large bag of mail waiting for them, at the trading-post,
+and among the letters Glen found several from a number of her girl
+friends of the Seminary.  As she read these on her way back upstream,
+she became more discontented than ever.  They all told of the good
+times the girls were having in their various homes during their
+holidays, of parties, auto rides, and the numerous incidents which mean
+so much to the young.  Glen laid each letter aside with a sigh.  It was
+the life for which she longed, and what could she write in return?
+There was only one event which deeply interested her, and of that she
+could not speak.
+
+She was tired when she reached home, and after supper went at once to
+her own room.  She took with her a number of books, magazines, and
+newspapers, and although the latter were several weeks old, she eagerly
+read the doings of the outside world, especially items of news about
+persons she knew.  She was lying upon a comfortable couch as she read,
+near the window fronting the lake.  The light from the shaded lamp on
+the little table at her head threw its soft beams upon the printed
+page, and brought into clear relief the outlines of her somewhat tired
+face.  It was a face suddenly developed from girlhood into womanhood,
+as the bud blossoms into the beautiful flower.  Glen's heart cried out
+for companionship, and the bright sunshine of happy young lives
+surrounding her.
+
+Throughout the day her thoughts had been much upon him who had recently
+come into her life.  The sight of him standing upon the shore that
+morning had thrilled her, and she longed to give him a word of
+encouragement.  So lying there this evening, with her paper at length
+thrown aside, she wondered what he was doing, and how he was enduring
+his captivity.  Surely her father would not submit him to the Ordeal
+after what she had told him about her love.  She tried to think of
+something that she could do, but the more she thought the more helpless
+she seemed to be.
+
+At last she arose and went downstairs.  She heard voices in her
+father's room, but who was with him she could not tell, as the door was
+almost closed.  Going at once to the piano, she struck the few notes
+which brought Reynolds to her side.  His unexpected presence startled
+her, and by the time she was on her feet, he had her hand in his and
+his strong arms around her.  Not a word was said for a few seconds as
+he held her close.  A great happiness such as she had never known
+before swept upon her.  He loved her!  That was the one idea which
+surged through her wildly-beating heart.  Time was obliterated, fears
+and doubts vanished, and with him whom she loved holding her in his
+arms, it seemed as if heaven had suddenly opened.  Her face was
+upturned to his, and in an instant Reynolds bent and imprinted a
+fervent kiss upon her slightly parted lips.
+
+With a start Glen glanced toward the door, and gently untwined her
+lover's arms.  Her face, flushed before, was scarlet now.  Never before
+had the lips of man except her father's touched her own, and the
+rapture of the sensation was quickly succeeded by a strong maidenly
+reserve.  What should she do? she asked herself.  How could she atone
+for her indiscretion?  She turned instinctively to the piano.
+
+"Play.  Sing," Reynolds ordered in a low voice, charged with deep
+emotion.
+
+"What shall I play?" Glen faintly asked as she mechanically turned over
+several sheets of music.
+
+"Anything; it doesn't matter, so long as you play.  There, that, 'The
+Long, Long Trail'; I like it."
+
+Touching her fingers lightly to the keys, Glen played as well as the
+agitated state of her mind would permit.  And as she played, Reynolds
+sang, such as he had never sung before.  Presently Glen joined him, and
+thus together they sang the song through.
+
+Across the hall Weston sat alone and listened.  The stern expression
+had disappeared from his face, and his head was bowed in his hands.
+
+"It has been a long, long trail to me," he murmured, "but the end seems
+in sight."
+
+The music of another song now fell upon his ears.  Again they were
+singing, and he noted how perfectly their voices blended.  Ere long the
+music was interrupted by laughter, the cause of which Weston could not
+tell, but he was fully aware that the young couple were happy together,
+and apparently had forgotten all about him.  At one time this would
+have annoyed him, but it affected him now in a far different manner, at
+which he was surprised.
+
+Glen and Reynolds, however, had not forgotten the silent man in the
+other room, and at times they glanced anxiously toward the door.  They
+both felt that their happiness would soon end, and then would come the
+cruel separation.  But as the evening wore on and nothing occurred to
+mar their pleasure, they wondered, and spoke of it in a low whisper to
+each other.  They sang several more songs, but most of the time they
+preferred to talk in the language which lovers alone know, a language
+more expressive in the glance, the flush of the cheeks, and the
+accelerated heartbeats, than all the fine words of the masters of
+literature.  Time to them was a thing of naught, for they were standing
+on the confines of that timeless kingdom, described on earth as heaven.
+
+The entrance of Nannie at length broke the spell, and brought them
+speedily back to earth.  They knew that she was the bearer of some
+message from the master of the house, and what would that message be?
+But the woman, merely smiled as she came toward them, and informed
+Reynolds that it was getting late, and that his room was ready.
+
+"Do you mean that I am to spend the night here?" he asked in surprise.
+
+"It is the master's wish," was the reply.  "He gave the order, and your
+room is ready.  I will show you the way."
+
+Reynolds glanced at Glen, and the light of joy that was beaming in her
+eyes told him all that was necessary.
+
+"You are the first visitor to spend the night here," she said.  "May
+your dreams be pleasant, for they are sure to come true.
+
+  "'Dreams to-night which come to you
+  Will prove at length to be really true.'"
+
+"May they be pleasant ones, then," Reynolds laughingly replied, as he
+reluctantly bade the girl a formal good-night, and followed Nannie out
+of the room.
+
+The latter led him at once upstairs, and showed him into a room on the
+west side of the house.  Reynolds was astonished at the manner in which
+it was furnished.  He looked about with undisguised wonder and
+admiration.
+
+"Why, this is a room for a prince!" he exclaimed.  "I never slept in
+such a luxurious place in my life.  Your master must have notable
+visitors at times."  Then he recalled Glen's words.  "But am I really
+the first visitor who ever stayed here all night?"
+
+"You must be the favored one for whom this room has been waiting," the
+woman quietly replied.  "You must be the prince."
+
+"And this room has never been occupied before?"
+
+"Never.  When I came here years ago, the master told me that this room
+was not to be used, but must always be in readiness, for some day it
+would be unexpectedly needed.  I never understood his meaning until
+to-night.  But, there, I must not talk any more.  Good-night, sir, and
+may sweet dreams be yours."
+
+Reynolds found it difficult to get to sleep, although the bed was soft
+and comfortable, and he was tired after the excitement of the day and
+evening.  At times he felt that he must be dreaming, for it did not
+seem possible that he had again met Glen, held her close, kissed her,
+and she had not objected.  His heart was filled with happiness, and
+when at last he did fall asleep, his dreams were of her.  But mingled
+with his visions was Curly, who appeared dark and sinister, threatening
+not only himself, but her who was so dear to him.  He saw the villain
+in the act of harming her, while he himself was powerless to assist
+her.  He was bound, and no matter how he struggled, he was unable to
+free himself.
+
+He awoke with a start, and looked around.  It was only a dream, and he
+gave a sigh of relief.  He then remembered what Glen had said to him
+the night before, and he smiled.  He was not the least bit
+superstitious, and had no belief in such notions.  Let Curly or anyone
+else attempt to lay hands on the girl he loved, and it would not be
+well for him.  He knew that the expelled rascal was capable of any
+degree of villainy, but that he would venture again near Glen West was
+most unlikely.
+
+It was daylight now, so hurriedly dressing, Reynolds hastened
+downstairs.  Glen was waiting for him in the dining-room, and a bright
+smile of welcome illumined her face as he entered.  They were alone,
+and Reynolds longed to enfold her in his arms, and tell her all that
+was in his heart.  He refrained, however, remembering how his
+impetuosity had carried him too far the previous evening.  But it was
+different then, as he expected it would, be the last time he might see
+her, and he needed the one sweet kiss of remembrance.  Now she was with
+him, and he felt sure of her love.
+
+Weston and Nannie did not make their appearance, and as Glen sat at the
+head of the table and poured the coffee, she explained that they
+already had their breakfast.
+
+"They are earlier than we are," Reynolds replied.  "I had no idea it
+was so late."
+
+"Didn't you sleep well?" Glen asked.
+
+"Never slept better, that is, after I got to sleep.  The wonderful
+events of last night kept me awake for a while."
+
+Glen blushed and her eyes dropped.  She did not tell how she, too, had
+lain awake much longer than anyone else in the house, nor that her
+pillow was moist with tears of happiness.
+
+"I hope your dreams were pleasant," she at length remarked, "You know
+the old saying."
+
+Reynolds' mind seemed suddenly centred upon the piece of meat be was
+cutting, and he did not at once reply.  This Glen noticed, and an
+expression of anxiety appeared in her eyes.
+
+"Do you wish me to tell you?" Reynolds asked, lifting his eyes to hers.
+
+"If you don't mind.  But I am afraid your dreams were bad."
+
+"Not altogether; merely light and shade.  The light was my dream of
+you, while the shade was of Curly."
+
+"You dreamed of him!"  Glen paused in her eating, while her face turned
+pale.
+
+"There, now, I am sorry I mentioned it, Miss Weston.  I knew it would
+worry you.  But perhaps it is just as well for you to know."
+
+"Indeed it is, especially when it concerns that man.  Oh, he is not a
+man, but a brute.  Please tell me about your dream."
+
+In a few words Reynolds told her all, and when he had ended she sat for
+some time lost in thought.  Her right arm rested upon the table, and
+her sunbrowned, shapely fingers lightly pressed her chin and cheek.
+She was looking out of the window which fronted the lake, as if she saw
+something there.  The young man, watching, thought he never saw her
+look more beautiful.  Presently a tremor shook her body.  Then she gave
+a little nervous laugh, and resumed her breakfast.
+
+"I am afraid I am not altogether myself this morning," she apologized.
+"But how can I help feeling nervous so long as Curly is anywhere in
+this country?"
+
+Reynolds was about to reply when Nannie entered and told him that the
+master of the house wished to see him.  With a quick glance at Glen,
+and asking to be excused, he left the room, expecting that the storm
+which had been so mercifully delayed was now about to break.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE TURN OF EVENTS
+
+The master of Glen West was sitting at his desk as Reynolds entered.
+He was smoking, and at the same time reading a newspaper in which he
+was deeply interested.  The latter he at once laid aside, and motioned
+his visitor to a chair.  He then picked up a box of cigars lying near.
+
+"Do you smoke?" he asked.  "If so, you will enjoy these.  They are a
+special brand."
+
+"Thanks," Reynolds replied, as he lifted one from the box, and
+proceeded at once to light it.  This reception was so different from
+what he had expected that he hardly knew what to think.  Anyway, the
+first move was favorable, and that was a good token.
+
+"You left me very abruptly last night," Weston charged, looking keenly
+at the young man.
+
+"I certainly did," and Reynolds smiled.  "But sometimes there is a
+virtue in abruptness, especially----"
+
+"Especially what?" Weston queried, as Reynolds hesitated.  "Go on."
+
+"When a situation becomes tense and awkward."
+
+"And you think it was so last night?"
+
+"I am sure of it."
+
+"What is your reason?"
+
+"My own common sense."
+
+Weston was silent for a few seconds, and puffed steadily at his cigar.
+Reynolds watching him out of the corner of his eye, wondered what was
+passing through his mind.
+
+"Have the Indians been telling you anything?" Weston presently asked.
+
+"About what?"
+
+"Curly, and what happened to him?"
+
+"Nothing.  Didn't I tell you so last night?"
+
+"I know you did, but I can hardly believe it.  Are you sure?"
+
+"I am positive.  They were as silent and mysterious as the Sphinx.  You
+deserve great credit, sir, for the way you have them trained."
+
+This seemed to relieve Weston, and he even smiled.
+
+"I was afraid they had been telling you something, but I am thankful to
+know that they can be trusted.  But, see here, someone must have told
+you.  Was it Glen or Nannie?"
+
+"Oh, no; they are not to blame."
+
+"Well, then, how in the world did you find out?"
+
+"And so I was right?" Reynolds asked.
+
+Weston removed the cigar from his mouth, and looked curiously at his
+visitor.
+
+"Were you not sure?" he queried.
+
+"Not at all," and Reynolds laughed.  "I was not sure last night, though
+I am now."
+
+A sudden cloud overspread Weston's face, which, passed away, however,
+almost instantly.
+
+"I wish I had known this sooner, young man.  You would not have got off
+so easily, let me tell you that.  I was positive that you understood
+everything.  But tell me, what led you to suspect the truth about
+Curly?"
+
+"That you had not burned him alive?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Reynolds deliberately removed the band from his cigar, and laid it
+carefully in the ash-tray.  He was enjoying Weston's perplexity, which
+he believed was a new experience for this autocrat of Glen West.  What
+a story he would have to tell his old friend Harmon.  The editor would
+surely forgive him for going on what he called "a wild-goose chase,"
+instead of searching for the missing Henry Redmond.  What a write-up
+all this would make for his paper.
+
+"Did you hear what I said?"  Weston's voice was somewhat impatient.
+
+"I beg your pardon," Reynolds apologized.  "My mind was wool-gathering.
+You asked what led me to suspect the truth about Curly, did you not?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"Well, apart from yourself, and what I saw in you, there were four
+things which influenced my judgment.  I only thought of one until I met
+you last night."
+
+"And what are they?"  Weston was keenly interested.
+
+"First of all, I could not imagine that a man would burn a fellow-being
+alive who kept that near him," and Reynolds motioned to a book lying
+upon the desk.
+
+Weston turned, and his face brightened.
+
+"Oh, you mean the Bible.  So that was one of your reasons, eh?  But do
+you not know that the deepest-dyed villain often keeps the Bible close
+at hand?  Such a man is generally fearful as well as superstitious, and
+so considers the Bible as a charm to ward off evil.  It has been said,
+you remember, that the devil himself can quote Scripture for his own
+purpose.  I venture to say that his satanic majesty knows the Bible
+better than many professing Christians.  It is necessary for him to do
+so in order to answer the arguments it sets forth.  Perhaps that is the
+way with me.  Anyway, we shall dismiss that evidence as faulty.  What
+next?"
+
+"Your daughter, sir.  I cannot believe that any man is a downright
+villain who is fortunate enough to have such a daughter."
+
+"I see, I see," and Weston stroked his heavy moustache.  "Did you not
+say something of a similar nature last night?  But are you aware that a
+man may have a noble daughter, and still be a villain?  Facts of
+history bear out what I say, unless I am greatly mistaken."
+
+"That may have been true in some cases, sir," Reynolds replied.
+"However, I am not concerned about the past, but the present only.  No
+matter what you may say to the contrary, you will not convince me.  And
+besides, there is something else which hinges upon this reason."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"You are very fond of your daughter, are you not?"
+
+"Certainly.  She is all I have in the world, and she is dearer to me
+than life itself."
+
+"Just so," and Reynolds smiled.  "And for her sake, at least, you would
+not dare to burn any man alive."
+
+"Wouldn't dare!  Why not?"
+
+"Simply because you would be hunted down as a murderer, and hung.  Why,
+the Mounted Police would have had you in their clutches long before
+this."
+
+"They would, eh?  What do I care about law?  Am I not a law unto
+myself?"
+
+"In a way you are, so long as you do not commit any crime.  But even
+though you might not care about yourself, you would not dare to do
+anything wrong for your daughter's sake.  She means so much to you,
+that you would not dare to commit any desperate act for fear of
+disgracing her.  Is not that so?"
+
+Weston made no reply, but sat looking intently into Reynolds' face.
+
+"There is another reason," the latter continued, "to which I feel
+certain you can make no objection, and it is _that_."
+
+He pointed as he spoke to a framed picture hanging above the desk.  It
+was the face of a woman of remarkable beauty, and closely resembling
+Glen, although somewhat older.
+
+Weston, too, looked, and as he did so his face underwent a marvellous
+transformation.  He tried to control himself, but in vain.  Rising
+suddenly to his feet, he paced rapidly up and down the room.  Once he
+stopped and fixed his eyes upon the picture.  At length he turned
+toward his visitor.
+
+"It is true.  It is true," he declared, almost fiercely.  "To your
+other reasons I could make some defence, but not to this.  I would not
+dare to do anything wrong for my dear dead wife's sake.  Her memory is
+most precious.  Young man, you have hit me hard."
+
+He paused and looked again at the picture.  Then he sank down upon his
+chair, and buried his face in his hands.
+
+Reynolds rose and was about to leave the room, when Weston lifted his
+head.
+
+"Don't go yet," he ordered, endeavoring to control himself.  "I am
+somewhat unnerved this morning.  There is something more I wish to say
+to you.  It is years since I have talked to anyone as I have to you.
+Sit down and tell me what you are going to do."
+
+"That remains with you, sir," Reynolds replied, as he resumed his seat.
+
+"With me!  It remains with me!  I do not understand."
+
+"Am I not your prisoner, sir?  It is not what I am going to do, but
+what you are going to do to me."
+
+"Ah, yes, quite true," and Weston was silent for a few seconds.  "But
+suppose you are given your freedom, what then?" he asked.
+
+"I should go at once in search of my old friend, Frontier Samson," was
+the decided reply.  "He must be greatly concerned about my
+disappearance, and no doubt he is still seeking for me out in the
+hills."
+
+"And should you find him----?"
+
+"We would at once visit the gold mine I discovered when I was lost."
+
+"What! did you discover gold?  Where?"
+
+"On that last ridge before I reached the river," Reynolds explained.
+"I took shelter in a cave from a furious storm, and there found more
+gold than I ever expected to see in my whole life.  The walls of the
+cave are full of it, and it seems to be of the best quality."
+
+"Do you think you can find the place again?" Weston asked.
+
+"I believe so," and Reynolds briefly described the situation.
+
+"I know it!  I know it!" Weston exclaimed.  "It is the highest peak on
+that ridge between here and the Tasan.  The side this way is very steep
+and rocky, is it not?"
+
+"Yes, and the summit is bare.  It was there I had a desperate fight
+with an eagle, killed it, and carried off its eggs, which saved my
+life.  From the high point I caught the first glimpse of the river."
+
+"And suppose you find the gold, what then?" Weston asked.
+
+"Oh, I shall take my share of it, of course."
+
+"And after that?"
+
+"I am not altogether sure.  But there is one thing I should do before
+undertaking anything else.  In fact, I am almost pledged to it.  Harmon
+will never forgive me if I don't."
+
+"Harmon, did you say?" Weston questioned.  "I once knew a man by that
+name."
+
+"It is Harmon, editor and principal owner of the _Vancouver Telegram_
+and _Evening News_.  He has been a father to me, and is greatly
+interested in my welfare.  He has a hobby which I call 'a wild-goose
+scheme,' and he thinks that I am the only one who can carry it out.  He
+is not the Harmon you knew, I suppose?"
+
+Weston did not at once reply, but sat staring straight before him as if
+he saw something strange in the wall.  His bronzed face had a peculiar
+pallid color, and his eyes expressed wonder and incredulity.  He was
+forced to keep his hands clasped before him, so great was his emotion.
+Reynolds watched him curiously, but said nothing.
+
+"And what is Harmon's hobby?" Weston at length found voice to enquire.
+
+"Oh, a pet scheme for the finding of a man who disappeared years ago."
+
+"And the man's name?"  Weston was once more calm.
+
+"Henry Redmond, so he told me.  He was a prominent business man, but
+after the death of his wife he mysteriously vanished, and left no trace
+of his whereabouts."
+
+"Strange, was it not?" Weston queried, as he furtively eyed the young
+man.  "Perhaps he is dead."
+
+"That is what I suggested to Harmon, but he would not entertain the
+idea at all."
+
+"Did he give any reason for his belief that the man is alive?"
+
+"He showed me a clipping taken from a paper years ago.  These are the
+words which I committed to memory:
+
+"'I go from the busy haunts of men, far from the worry and bustle of
+business life.  I may be found, but only he who is worthy will find me,
+and whoever finds me, will, I trust, not lose his reward.  From the
+loop-holes of retreat I shall watch the stress and fever of life, but
+shall not mingle in the fray.'"
+
+"Was there any name signed to that?" Weston asked, when Reynolds had
+finished.
+
+"I understand there was none."
+
+"Why, then, does your friend Harmon imagine that it refers to Redmond?"
+
+"Because it appeared immediately after the man's disappearance, and
+Harmon told me it was just like Redmond to do such a thing."
+
+"It is all mere conjecture, then?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"And upon the strength of that your friend, would have you undertake
+the wild-goose adventure, as you term it.  What are his reasons?"
+
+"He wishes me to find an outlet for my restless spirit; to satisfy his
+own curiosity; and finally, to have a series of special articles for
+his paper."
+
+"What!  Does Harmon want you to write a full account of your adventure,
+and all about the missing man should you find him?"
+
+"It seems so, though I guess he will have to wait a long time.  I must
+first of all find Frontier Samson, and get that gold.  Then, perhaps,
+something else may interfere with Harmon's plans."
+
+"Yes, yes, you must find the old prospector and get the gold," Weston
+agreed.  "But you will need assistance.  I know the region as well as
+any man, and I have a comfortable cabin in the hills.  Allow me to go
+with you to direct your search."
+
+Reynolds' eyes opened wide with amazement, and he stared at Weston as
+if he had not heard aright.  Could it be possible that this man, the
+stern ruler of Glen West, and Glen's father, was really offering to
+assist him?  Weston divined his thoughts, and smiled.
+
+"I know you are astonished," he told him.  "But, you see, I am not yet
+beyond the lure of gold, and should we find that mine, there might be
+something in it for me.  We might go partners, eh?"
+
+"That would be great," Reynolds replied with enthusiasm.  "But we must
+not leave the old prospector out."
+
+"Oh, no, that would never do.  We shall see that he gets his share,
+providing we find him.  I am really anxious to be off at once," and
+Weston rose as he spoke.
+
+"When shall we start?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"In a couple of days, if that will suit you.  It will not take long to
+make the necessary arrangements for the trip, and we shall take two
+Indians to look after our welfare."
+
+Weston was almost like a boy in his excitement, and Reynolds could
+hardly believe him to be the same man he had faced the night before.
+
+"You may go and tell Glen about our proposed trip," Weston said.  "She
+must be wondering what we are talking so long about."
+
+"And will she go too?" Reynolds eagerly asked.
+
+"Certainly.  It would not do to leave her behind.  She would be very
+angry if we did.  And, besides, she must have a share in that mine.
+Ho, ho, there will be four of us on the ground-floor, all right, and
+the rest can have what we leave, providing there is any.  Hurry away,
+now, and tell Glen to get ready.  It generally takes a woman two or
+three days to prepare for a journey."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+A SHOT FROM THE GOLDEN CREST
+
+Glen was greatly agitated when her father summoned Reynolds into his
+presence.  She felt that the critical moment had arrived, and she
+dreaded what might follow.  Although she loved her father, yet at times
+she feared him.  Suppose he should send Reynolds away at once, and
+forbid his return to Glen West?  He had treated others in a harsh
+manner, and why should he act differently now?  Her only ray of hope
+lay in the thought that he had allowed the young man to stay at the
+house over night, and had permitted him to sleep in the room which had
+never before been occupied.
+
+She sat for some time after Reynolds had left, with her elbows upon the
+table, and her hands propping her chin.  Her appetite had suddenly left
+her, and her coffee remained untasted.  The morning sun flooding the
+room, fell upon her hair and face, and had her lover seen her then, he
+would have admired her more than ever.  She was in a most thoughtful
+mood, and at the same time she listened intently for any sound of
+strife that might come from her father's study.
+
+At length she arose, picked up her broad-rimmed straw-hat, and went out
+of doors.  It was a hot morning with not a breath of wind astir.  The
+water was like a mirror, and the high hills were reflected in its clear
+depths.  It called to her now, and appealed to her as of yore, and
+urged her to seek comfort upon its placid bosom.
+
+Walking swiftly down to the wharf, she launched her light canoe, one
+which had been brought in from the outside for her own special use.
+Sconda was standing near _The Frontiersman_, and he offered to
+accompany her.  But Glen smilingly told him that she wished to be alone
+this morning, and that perhaps Klota needed him more than she did.  The
+Indian was quite surprised at her refusal, and somewhat piqued as well.
+It was the first time she had ever spoken to him in such a manner, and
+he stood silently watching the girl as she settled herself in the
+canoe, and dipped her paddle into the water.  Then he wended his way
+slowly homeward, wondering what had come over his young imperious
+mistress.
+
+But Glen was not thinking about Sconda, and she had no idea that she
+had in any way annoyed the faithful native.  She paddled straight
+across the creek until she reached the opposite side.  Here she ran the
+canoe ashore, and watched most intently the big house in the distance.
+
+She remained here for some time anxiously observing all that was taking
+place around the house, expecting at any moment to see Reynolds come
+forth.  And when he did come, would he at once go down to the village,
+to be conducted beyond the pass?  Perhaps her father might send for the
+guard, who would lead him forth as a prisoner.  At this thought a
+tremor shook her body, and she nervously drove the paddle into the
+water, and sent the canoe reeling from the shore.  Only in action now
+could she endure the strain of waiting.
+
+She had just reached the middle of the creek, when, glancing toward the
+house, her heart gave a great leap, for there coming down to the wharf
+was the very one of whom she was thinking.  He was walking rapidly and
+at the same time waving his hand to her.  Instantly she headed the
+canoe for the shore, and when its graceful bow touched lightly against
+the wharf, he was standing there waiting to receive her.  The smile
+upon his face and light of joy in his eyes told her that all was well,
+and so great was her happiness that for a moment she had no word to
+say.  Her cheeks were flushed with the invigorating exercise, and the
+eyes which were turned to her lover's were moist with tears, and
+gleamed like sparkling diamonds.  Reynolds, too, was speechless for a
+few seconds.  A feeling of almost sacred awe swept upon him as he
+looked upon that fair pure face.  Although his life was clean and above
+reproach, yet he felt most unworthy when in the presence of such a
+beautiful, unsullied being.  It never had affected him so intensely as
+on this bright morning on the shore of that inland water.  What right
+had he to presume to love such a girl? he asked himself.
+
+For several seconds neither spoke.  It was that mysterious silence
+which sometimes comes when heart responds to heart, and where love is
+true and deep.  Then they both laughed and the spell was broken.  Just
+why they laughed they could not tell, although they felt very happy.
+
+"Come for a spin," Glen suggested.  "I want to hear all.  You paddle,"
+she ordered, as she turned herself about in the canoe.  "I have already
+had my morning's exercise."
+
+"And so have I," Reynolds laughingly replied, as he seated himself
+astern and sent the canoe from the wharf.
+
+"But of a different nature, though?" and Glen looked quizzically into
+his face.
+
+"Quite different.  I exercised my lungs, and your father did the same."
+
+"Not in anger, I hope."
+
+"Oh, no.  We had a great heart to heart talk, and got on splendidly.
+We parted like two lambs, and are the best of friends."
+
+"You are!"  The girl's lips merely breathed the words, but they told of
+her great relief.
+
+"Yes, it is true.  And more than that, we have already planned for a
+trip together in the hills, and you are to go with us, that is, if you
+wish to go."
+
+At these words, Glen's face underwent a marvellous change.
+
+"Don't go," she pleaded.  "Stay where you are."
+
+"Why, what is the matter?" and Reynolds looked his surprise as he
+paused in a stroke.
+
+"Have you forgotten your dream last night?  It was bad, and first
+dreams in a new place are sure to come true."
+
+Reynolds laughed, as he again dipped the paddle into the water.
+
+"Surely you are not superstitious, Miss Weston.  Why should one be
+alarmed at dreams?  They are nothing."
+
+"That may be true," and Glen trailed her hand in the water.  "But an
+uneasy feeling has taken possession of me which I cannot banish.  I was
+brought up among Indians, you know, and they are naturally
+superstitious."
+
+"And they have filled your mind with nonsense, I suppose."
+
+"I am afraid so," and the girl gave a deep sigh.
+
+They were some distance up the creek now, and the canoe was gliding
+almost noiselessly through the water.  Glen asked Reynolds about his
+conversation with her father, and he told her all that had taken place.
+She listened with the keenest interest.  Her face was aglow with
+animation, and her eyes shone with the light of astonishment.
+
+"I can hardly believe it," she exclaimed when Reynolds had finished.
+"Anyway, I am so thankful that daddy did not get angry, I hope he will
+not change his mind.  He is so gentle and good at times, and again he
+is so stern and harsh.  Oh! what is that?" she cried, as something
+struck the water with a zip near the canoe.
+
+Reynolds had ceased paddling, and was staring back at a spot where the
+water had been ruffled, but not by the motion of the canoe.  Then he
+glanced shoreward, and his eyes keenly searched the high ridge of the
+Golden Crest.
+
+"It must have been a fish leaping for a fly," he somewhat absently
+suggested.
+
+"But I heard the report of a rifle," Glen declared.  "It came from up
+there," and she motioned to the right.
+
+"Perhaps someone is hunting, and a stray bullet may have come this way."
+
+"It may be so, but let us go home."  Glen's face was pale, and her eyes
+bore an anxious expression.
+
+Reynolds at once swung the canoe around, and paddled with long steady
+strokes toward the village.  He knew that Glen was somewhat unnerved,
+and he upbraided himself for telling her about his dream.  Why are some
+people so foolish as to believe in such things? he asked himself.
+
+"Suppose we go over to Sconda's," Glen suggested.  "I want to see
+Klota.  She is doing some work for me."
+
+"I understand," Reynolds replied.  "You wish to find out how that
+bearskin is getting along."
+
+Glen glanced quickly at him, smiled, and slightly blushed.
+
+"You saw it, then?  You recognized it?"
+
+"Sconda showed it to me.  It is a beauty."
+
+"Do you want it?"
+
+"Oh, no.  I have no place to keep such a thing.  It pleases me to know
+that you are anxious to have it as a----"
+
+"As a souvenir of my deliverance," the girl assisted, as Reynolds
+hesitated.
+
+"And of our first meeting," he added.
+
+Glen did not reply, but looked thoughtfully out over the water toward
+the shore.   She was glad that Reynolds believed she wished to go to
+Sconda's merely to see about the skin.  But in truth, there was
+something far more important, and it was this which now disturbed her
+mind.  She did not wish to exhibit her anxiety, so the idea of viewing
+the bearskin was as good a pretext as any other.
+
+They found Klota at the back of the house busily engaged upon the skin,
+which was stretched over a log.  She paused in her work and smiled as
+the two approached.  Glen spoke to her in Indian, and asked her how she
+was getting along.  Seeing Sconda across the street talking with an
+Indian, Reynolds went at once to him to discuss the proposed trip into
+the hills.  This suited Glen, as she wanted to be alone for a time with
+Klota.
+
+"Is Sconda going with us on our trip?" she asked.
+
+"Ah, ah.  Sconda is going," was the reply.  Then an anxious expression
+appeared in the old woman's eyes as she turned them upon her fair
+visitor.  "Don't you go," she warned.  "Stay home."
+
+"Why, Klota?" Glen asked as calmly as possible, although her
+fast-beating heart told of her agitation.
+
+"Something might happen out there," and the Indian woman motioned to
+her left.
+
+"What has Klota seen?  Has she heard anything?"
+
+"Klota has seen and heard.  Don't go."
+
+"What have you seen and heard?" Glen urged.
+
+"Bad, ugh!  Bad dream.  Bad white man."
+
+"Curly?"  Glen's face was very white.
+
+"Ah, ah, Curly.  Bad, all same black bear.  Don't go."
+
+Klota resumed her work upon the skin, and although Glen questioned her
+further, she only shook her head, and refused to talk.  What had this
+woman heard? Glen asked herself, or was it only a dream?  She knew how
+much stress the Indians laid upon dreams, and how she herself had been
+so strongly influenced since childhood by weird stories she had heard
+from the natives.
+
+She was unusually silent and thoughtful as she and Reynolds walked
+slowly up the street toward the big house.  She longed to tell her
+companion what Klota had said, but she hesitated about doing so.  Would
+he not consider her weak and foolish?  She knew that her father would
+only laugh at her if she told him.  She did not wish to make herself
+ridiculous in their eyes, and yet she could not get her lover's dream
+nor Klota's warning out of her mind.  She thought of them that
+afternoon as she made preparations for the journey.  Her father had
+told her that they were to start early the next morning, and if she
+wished to go she must be ready.  She did want to go, for she enjoyed
+the life in the hills.  Nevertheless, she often found herself standing
+at the window looking out over the lake.  Why should she go if there
+was any risk? she asked herself.  She knew that Curly was capable of
+almost any degree of villainy, but was he not far away at Big Draw?  It
+was hardly likely that he would again venture near the Golden Crest.
+But if he did, would she not have her father and Reynolds to protect
+her?
+
+Hitherto she had only thought of harm to herself.  But there suddenly
+came into her mind the fear that something might happen to another, and
+she flushed as she thought who that other would be.  Had she not seen
+Curly's face, and heard some of his terrible words the day of his
+arrest as he was being taken up the street?  It would, therefore, be
+upon Reynolds that he would endeavor to give vent to his rage.  Just
+how he would do this, she could not tell, but it would be necessary for
+her to be ever on guard.
+
+A feeling of responsibility now took possession of her such as she had
+never known before.  She felt that the life of her lover was in her
+keeping, and perhaps her father's as well.  She knew that they would
+not listen to any warning from her, and so she might as well keep
+silent.  The dream and Klota's words might amount to nothing, yet it
+was well to be ready for any emergency.
+
+Opening a drawer in her dresser, she brought forth a revolver, and held
+it thoughtfully in her hand for a few minutes.  As a rule she carried
+it with her on all her trips beyond the Golden Crest, and she had been
+well trained in the use of the weapon since she was a mere girl.  She
+was a good shot, and was very proud of her accomplishment.
+
+"A girl should always be able to take care of herself," her father had
+told her over and over again.
+
+"In a country such as this one never knows what might happen, and it is
+well to be prepared."
+
+That evening as she sat at the piano and played while Reynolds sang,
+she forgot for a time her anxiety.  His presence dispelled all gloomy
+fears, and the sound of his voice thrilled her very being.  They were
+both happy, and all-sufficient to each other.
+
+Across the hall in his own room, Jim Weston sat alone, ensconced in a
+big comfortable chair.  He was re-reading one of his favorite books,
+"Essays of Nature and Culture."  He was engrossed in the chapter, "The
+Great Revelation," and as he read, the music across the way beat upon
+his brain, and entered into his soul.  "Every bit of life is a bit of
+revelation; it brings us face to face with the great mystery and the
+great secret." . . .  He paused, and listened absently to the music.
+"All revelation of life has the spell, therefore, of discovery." . . .
+The words of the song the young people were now singing again arrested
+his attention.  He liked "Thora"; it was a song of the north, and Glen
+had often sung it to him.  "There is the thrill, the wonder, the joy of
+seeing another link in the invisible chain which binds us to the past
+and unites us to the future."  The words of the essay startled him.  He
+laid aside the book, and rested his head upon his hand.  "Another link
+in the invisible chain which binds us to the past."  He thought of her
+who had made his life so pleasant.  He glanced above his desk, and a
+mistiness came into his eyes.  Memory now was the only link which bound
+him to the past, to those sweet days of long ago.
+
+And as he sat there, the singing still continued.  He only half
+comprehended the meaning of the words, for he was living in another
+world.  But presently he started, clutched the arms of his chair, and
+bent intently forward.
+
+  "'Tis a tale that is truer and older
+  Than any the sagas tell;
+  I loved you in life too little,
+  I love you in death too well!"
+
+In the adjoining room the happy young couple went on with their
+singing, and when the song was finished, they stopped, said something
+in a low voice, and then laughed joyously.  But the ruler of Glen West
+paced restlessly up and down his study.  He heard no more singing that
+night, for he had softly closed the door.  Long after the rest had
+retired, and the house was wrapped in silence, he continued his pacing,
+only stopping now and then to gaze longingly at the picture above his
+desk.  Since his return from the hills Jim Weston had learned a new
+lesson, but before it could be applied, it was necessary for him to
+undergo the severest mental and spiritual struggle he had ever known.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE PLOTTERS
+
+After Curly had been dumped unceremoniously beyond the Golden Crest,
+and sternly ordered never to return, he had sped hurriedly forward.  He
+was careless whither his steps led, so long as he was away from Glen
+West and that frowning mountain ridge.  Fear still possessed his soul,
+and he believed that he had escaped death as if by a miracle.  He was
+so frightened that he did not realise how tired and hungry he was until
+he had done a considerable distance, stumbling at every step, and at
+times falling prone upon the ground.  His bruises he hardly felt until
+he had almost reached the foot of the long slope down which he was
+speeding.  Then a great weakness came upon him, and his body trembled.
+Then he knew that he was very hungry and a long way from Big Draw.
+What should he do?  How could he drag his tired body any farther
+through the night, with no trail to guide him?  In fact, he did not
+know where he was.  Then the terrible truth flashed upon his mind that
+he was lost.  This brought him to his senses, and his terror vanished.
+In its stead, a burning rage swept upon him, filled his heart, and made
+him once more a brute thirsting for revenge.  Before his distorted
+vision rose the mocking face of Jim Weston, and a deep growling curse
+spued from his lips.  Then he saw Glen standing with Reynolds by the
+side of the street, and turning swiftly around he faced the Golden
+Crest, and lifting his dirty bleeding right hand, he shook his clenched
+fist, and hurled forth a stream of terrible imprecations.  But every
+word sent forth came back with a startling clearness from the
+mysterious depths of the brooding forest.  Nature could not contain
+such language within her unsullied bosom, but returned it immediately
+to the vile source from whence it came.
+
+When Curly's rage had somewhat spent itself, he began to meditate upon
+swift and dire revenge.  But first of all he needed food, and
+assistance from someone as base as himself.  Big Draw could supply him
+with the former, but he had no idea where he could find the latter.  He
+thought of Slim Fales, his recent companion.  Him, however, he soon
+dismissed from his mind as unsuitable.  Slim had not suffered as he
+had, and would not enter heartily into any proposal he might make.
+And, besides, Slim had fled and left him to his fate.  No, he must find
+someone as desperate as himself upon whom he could thoroughly depend.
+
+This feeling of revenge gave Curly new strength.  He must reach Big
+Draw, obtain food, and make whatever plans would be necessary.  Once
+more he headed for the valley, lying dark and sullen below.  By
+following this, he expected to reach the big creek on which the mining
+camp was situated.
+
+Arriving ere long at the bottom of the hill, he moved as fast as
+possible down the creek.  There was no trail to guide him, and it was
+with much difficulty that he made his way through the forest, which was
+here thick and scrubby.  So painful did this at last become, that he
+was forced to follow the little brook which flowed down the valley.
+This, too, was rough, and at times he was compelled to walk in the
+water.  But there were no trees to bother him, so he accordingly made
+better progress.
+
+He had thus gone some distance when, rounding a bend in the creek, he
+was surprised to see directly before him the light of a camp fire.
+Hope at first leaped into his heart.  Then he became cautious, for he
+could not tell whether it was the stopping place of friend or foe.
+Carefully now he advanced, and when near enough to recognize the face
+of a man sitting before the blaze, he emitted a whoop, and rushed
+forward.
+
+At this startling sound from the grimness of the forest, the lone
+camper started, seized his rifle, and leaped to his feet.
+
+"Who are you?" he demanded.  "Stop, or I'll shoot."
+
+"It's only me," Curly hastened to reply, as he stepped forth, into the
+circle of light.  "Ye wouldn't shoot a friend, would ye, Dan?"
+
+The latter lowered his rifle, and stared with undisguised surprise upon
+his visitor.
+
+"Well, fer the love of heaven!" he exclaimed, scanning closely the
+wretched creature who had so unexpectedly appeared.  "Where did you
+drop from? and what has happened?"
+
+"Give me something to eat," Curly gasped, "an' then I'll tell ye.  I'm
+almost dead."
+
+Laying aside his rifle, the other opened a bag nearby and produced
+several hard-tack biscuits.  Like a ravenous beast Curly seized and
+devoured them.
+
+"More, more," he begged.
+
+"I'm short myself," Dan informed him, as he again thrust his hand into
+the bag.  "There, take them," and he tossed over two more biscuits.
+
+When Curly had eaten the last crumb, he searched into a hole in his
+jacket and brought forth an old blackened pipe.
+
+"Got any tobacco, Dan?  Mine's all gone."
+
+Without a word the latter passed him part of a plug.
+
+"A match," was the next request.
+
+"What d'ye think I am?" was the curt reply; "a store?  Get a light fer
+yourself," and Dan motioned to the fire.  "I can't spare any matches."
+
+Curly did as he was ordered, lighted his pipe with a small burning
+stick, and then stretched himself out before the fire.  He was a sorry
+looking spectacle, and Dan watched him curiously.
+
+"What's the matter, Curly?" he asked.  "Where have you been?"
+
+"Where d'ye think I've been?" was the surly reply.  "Where do I look as
+if I'd been?  To a Garden Party?"
+
+"Well, no, judging by your appearance.  Haven't been mauled by a
+grizzly, have you?"
+
+"No, worse than a grizzly.  I've been in the hands of devils, that's
+where I've been.  And his Satanic majesty was there, too."
+
+"H'm, it's rather early, isn't it, Curly?" and Dan grinned.
+
+"Early!  What d'ye mean?"
+
+"Nothing, except that ye didn't expect to meet the devil an' his bunch
+until ye cashed in, did ye?"
+
+"Oh, I see.  But we'll be pardners, then, Dan, never fear.  But if the
+devil an' his gang are any worse than the ones at Glen West, then the
+outlook isn't very bright for either of us."
+
+"So you've been in Jim Weston's hands, eh?" Dan queried, while his eyes
+closed to a narrow squint.
+
+"Should say I have, an' just barely escaped.  It was terrible!"
+Curly's hands trembled, and into his eyes came a look of fear as he
+glanced apprehensively around.  "Ye don't suppose they've followed me,
+do you?"
+
+"Don't be a fool," Dan chided.  "D'ye want me to tell ye something?"
+
+"Sure.  Go ahead."
+
+"Jim Weston and his Indian gang were only bluffing."
+
+"Bluffing!"
+
+"That's what I said.  Look here, Curly, they did the same thing to me,
+and scared me nearly to death when I was prowling around Glen West.  I
+thought fer certain that I had escaped just by the skin of me teeth.
+But since I've talked with several others who were treated in the same
+way, I know that the whole thing is a bluff, an' nothin' more."
+
+Curly's eyes were big with amazement, and slowly he comprehended the
+meaning of it all.
+
+"An' ye think they wouldn't burn a man alive?" he gasped.
+
+"No.  Take my word fer it, they have never done such a thing yet, an'
+never will.  Jim Weston wants to keep all white men away from Glen
+West, an' so he puts up that bluff.  It's on account of his daughter.
+He knows that more than you an' me have their eyes on her.  That's what
+took you there, wasn't it?"
+
+"Sure.  D'ye think it'd be anything else than a woman that would put me
+into such a scrape?"
+
+"An' didn't get her after all.  That's too bad."
+
+"But I will get her," Curly declared with an oath.  "That slick
+gentleman sucker isn't going to have her."
+
+"Who d'ye mean?"
+
+"Oh, you know, don't ye?  It's that guy who knocked off the bottles.
+He's at Glen West now, an' very chummy with Jim Weston's daughter."
+
+"How in h---- did he get there?"
+
+"Search me.  But he's there, all right, an' from all appearance he's
+going to stay, for a while at least, until I show me hand."
+
+"What can you do?  It seems to me that you've had enough of that place
+already."
+
+"So I have, but not of the girl.  My, she's worth riskin' one's neck
+for.  But, say, Dan, what are you doing out here?"
+
+"Prospectin', of course.  What else would I be doin'?"
+
+"Strike anything?"
+
+"Not yet, though I've good prospects in sight, 'specially since you've
+arrived."
+
+Seeing the look of surprise in Curly's eyes, Dan laughed.
+
+"Yes," he continued, "I'm prospectin' in the same way that you are.
+I'm after Jim Weston's gal."
+
+"You are!" Curly's face brightened.  "How long have you been at it?"
+
+"Oh, fer about a week.  Ye see, I got into the same scrape that you
+did, an' was pitched this side of Golden Crest, with strict orders to
+head fer Big Draw at once."
+
+"An' did ye?"
+
+"Sure.  I did as I was told.  But I returned, built a shack in the
+hills, an' have been prowlin' around ever since waitin' me chance.  Jim
+Weston's daughter sometimes rides alone on this side of the Crest, but
+so far I've missed meetin' her.  But I'll get her one of these days,
+an' then her devil of a father will know that Dan Hivers has some of
+the Old Nick in him as well as he has.  It's a mighty poor game, to my
+way of thinkin', at which two can't play."
+
+"Yes, and more than two," Curly eagerly replied.  "You're just the man
+I need.  Let's work together, Dan, an' we'll be company fer each other.
+Have you any grub?"
+
+"Lots of it in me shack.  I brought a good supply from Big Draw, an'
+fresh meat is plentiful in the hills.  I've an extra rifle, too, if ye
+need it."
+
+"What's your plan?" Curly asked.  "You know this region better'n I do."
+
+Dan did not at once reply, but sat looking thoughtfully into the fire.
+
+"An' ye say that guy's got the cinch on the gal?" he at length queried.
+
+"Seems so.  He was with her when I was led past, an' they seemed mighty
+happy together."
+
+"Is that so?  An' I suppose he'll be with her wherever she goes."
+
+"Most likely.  But we can fix him, can't we?"
+
+"We'll have to find some way, but the question is, how?"
+
+"The gun-route might be the best," and Curly motioned significantly
+toward the rifle.  "Accidents sometimes happen, ye know."
+
+"But what about the old man?  He might make trouble."
+
+"Then, settle him, too.  He goes alone into the hills, doesn't he?"
+
+"Why, yes.  I never thought of that.  He's got a cabin over yonder.  I
+know where it is.  He often spends days alone there, with not a soul
+around, prospectin', so I understand."
+
+"Something might happen there, too, eh?" and Curly grinned.  "Then the
+girl will be ours."
+
+"But what about the Police?" Dan warned.  "They'd be on our trail like
+greased-lightning."
+
+"But it will be an accident like the other, won't it?"
+
+"But suppose the accidents don't happen?"
+
+"The devil do I care.  Let me get the girl, an' I'll look out fer
+myself after that.  I've been in such scrapes before, an' I guess you
+have, too, Dan."
+
+For some time the two villains sat that night before the fire, and
+discussed in detail their nefarious plans.  They were men in whose
+bosoms no feeling of pity or sympathy dwelt.  To them a pure noble girl
+was merely an object of their vile passions.  Others had been
+victimized by these brutes, and they had now sunk so low that they were
+willing to sacrifice innocent lives in order to gratify their base
+desires.
+
+Next morning found the two plotters moving steadily on their way up
+toward the Golden Crest where it curved in to the lake.  They kept away
+as far as possible from the pass for fear of watchful Indians.  But
+farther north where the land was more rugged, they would be safe.  From
+this vantage ground they could look down upon the village and observe
+much that was taking place there.  Curly was feeling the effects of his
+experiences the previous day and was surly and ugly.  Dan had fed him
+and supplied him with a buck-skin jacket which made him more
+presentable.  But Curly's temper was bad, and he vented his spleen upon
+Reynolds and Jim Weston in no mild language.
+
+The high ridge of the Golden Crest was not reached until about the
+middle of the morning, and here from a concealed position the two men
+looked down upon Glen West lying snugly by the water's side.  They
+could see the big house quite plainly, and they eagerly watched Glen as
+she paddled alone upon the creek.  She was beyond their reach, however,
+so they were helpless.  But when the girl was at length joined by
+Reynolds, and the canoe was headed upstream, Curly's eyes glowed with
+the fire of hatred and jealousy, while his hands gripped hard the rifle
+he was holding.  He was lying flat upon the ground, peering over the
+edge of a big boulder with Dan close by his side.  As the canoe came
+nearer, Curly thrust his rifle impetuously forward and fired.  With a
+curse, Dan reached out and laid a firm hand upon the weapon.
+
+"What in h---- d'ye mean?" he demanded.  "Ye've spoiled everything."
+
+"I wanted to get that cur down there," was the snarling reply.  "I
+missed him that time, but I'll get him yet."
+
+"No, ye don't," Dan declared, as Curly tried to free the rifle from his
+companion's grasp.  "If ye shoot again, we'll have a pack of Indians
+after us.  There, look now!" and he pointed to the canoe which was
+heading down the creek.  "That's what you've done.  You've scared our
+game and sent them back to give the alarm.  Most likely they intended
+to land somewhere up the creek, an' do some private spoonin'.  We could
+have crept down, knocked out the guy, an' carried off the gal.  But
+now--bah! ye've spoiled the whole show!"
+
+Curly made no reply, but lay there watching the canoe until it had
+reached Sconda's landing.  His heart was bitter with rage as he
+recalled his expulsion from Glen West, while his opponent was in full
+possession of the girl he was seeking.  Several times during the
+morning he voiced his sentiments to his companion.
+
+"Just wait, Curly," Dan comforted.  "Our turn will come, never fear,
+providin' ye don't lose yer head as ye did this mornin'.  I know
+something about lovers.  They generally like to get off somewhere by
+themselves to do their spoonin'.  They'll be wanderin' up along that
+trail between here an' the water some time this afternoon, an' that'll
+be our chance."
+
+But this time Dan was mistaken.  The young lovers did not come up the
+trail, neither did they see them again during the remainder of the day,
+although they stayed there until the sun had gone down.  They
+accordingly went back to Dan's cabin a sulky and ugly pair.  Lustful,
+and filled with the spirit of revenge, they became all the more
+determined and desperate the more they were baffled in their plans.
+
+Early the next morning they again took up their position on the high
+crest.  They did not have long to wait now, for in less than an hour
+they beheld something upon the trail below them which gladdened their
+devilish hearts.  At once they vanished from the summit, and like
+panthers stole cautiously through the forest, and cautiously began to
+stalk their unconscious prey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+THE CABIN IN THE HILLS
+
+Glen's fears and forebodings of the previous night passed away as she
+rode Midnight along the trail on that beautiful summer morning.  For a
+time a feeling of security filled her heart.  Was she not well guarded
+by her father, her lover, and two reliable Indians, Sconda and Natsu!
+Why should she fear?  Curly was evidently at Big Draw, and so
+discouraged over his reception at Glen West that he would hardly
+venture near the place again.  It was a bright happy face that she
+turned to Reynolds as he rode by her side wherever the trail permitted
+their horses to ride abreast.  They rejoiced in each other's company,
+and words were unnecessary, for love has a silent language all its own.
+
+Jim Weston rode ahead, while the two Indians brought up in the rear.
+The horses which the natives rode bore a few extra provisions for
+several days' outing, such as tea, coffee, sugar, flour, and a supply
+of canned goods.
+
+Glen rode Midnight gracefully.  She was dressed the same as on the day
+Reynolds first saw her on Crooked Trail.  She was perfectly at home in
+the saddle, and what to Reynolds was difficult riding to her was a
+pleasure.  At times she smiled at his awkwardness as he tried to
+maintain his position where the trail was unusually rough and steep.
+
+"You are better with the rifle, are you not?" Glen bantered.
+
+"I certainly am," was the reply.  "I have had very little experience on
+horse back.  I wish I could ride like you, for you are so much at ease."
+
+"I should be," and again the girl smiled.  "I cannot remember the time
+when I did not know how to ride.  But, then, you have not seen me at my
+best.  Sconda has, though, and he knows that I can hold my own with the
+most expert rider.  Oh, it's great when you're going like the wind,
+clearing rocks and fallen trees with tremendous bounds.  Midnight
+understands, don't you, old boy?" and she affectionately patted the
+horse's glossy neck.
+
+Reynolds watched the girl with deep admiration.  He felt that her words
+were no mere idle boast, and he longed to see an exhibition of her
+skilful riding.
+
+At noon they stopped by the side of a little stream which flowed out
+from under the Golden Crest, and ate their luncheon.
+
+"We shall have a great dinner to-night," Weston informed them.  "We
+must do honor to such an occasion as this."
+
+"And if we can find Frontier Samson, all the merrier," Reynolds replied.
+
+"Sure, sure, we must find the old man," Weston agreed.  "But, then,
+it's unnecessary to worry about him.  He's all right, never fear,
+though no doubt he is somewhat anxious about his runaway partner."
+
+The ruler of Glen West was in excellent spirits.  Glen had never seen
+him so animated, and at luncheon he joked and laughed in the most
+buoyant manner.  During the afternoon he pointed out to his companions
+numerous outstanding features of nature's wonderful handiwork.  At
+times he would look back, and draw their attention to a peculiar rock
+formation, a small lake lying cool and placid amidst the hills, or to
+some beautiful northern flowers by the side of the trail.  Thus the
+afternoon passed quickly and pleasantly, and evening found them before
+the little cabin in the hills.
+
+It was a beautiful spot where Weston had erected his forest habitation.
+The cabin nestled on the shore of a very fine lake.  At the back stood
+the trees, which came almost to the door.  The building was composed
+entirely of logs, and contained a small kitchen, two bed-rooms, and a
+living-room.  A stone fire-place had been built at one end of the
+latter, while the walls were adorned with trophies of the chase.  Books
+of various kinds filled several shelves, and magazines and newspapers
+were piled upon a side-table.  It was a most cozy abode, and Weston was
+greatly pleased at the interest Glen and Reynolds took in everything.
+
+"My, I should like to spend a few weeks here," Reynolds remarked, as he
+examined the books.  "What a grand time one could have reading and
+meditating.  You have a fine collection, sir," and he turned to Weston,
+who was standing near.
+
+"I bring only the masters here," was the reply.  "One cannot afford to
+pack useless truck over the trail.  In a place such as this the mind is
+naturally reflective, and one craves for things that are old and firmly
+established."
+
+"But what about those?" and Reynolds pointed to the magazines and
+newspapers.
+
+"Oh, they have their place, too," and Weston smiled.  "Even in the
+wilderness a man should not lose touch with the busy world outside.  I
+consider that the study of the past and present should go together.  By
+keeping abreast of the times one can form some idea how the world is
+progressing, and by reading the masters of other days one can interpret
+all the better the problems of the present."
+
+While Weston and Reynolds discussed the books, Glen was busily engaged
+setting the table for supper.  Natsu had taken the horses down to the
+wild meadow some distance away, and Sconda was in the kitchen.  The
+latter was an excellent cook, and prided himself upon his ability to
+provide a most delicious repast, whether of moose meat or fried salmon.
+It was the latter he was preparing this evening, the fish having been
+brought from Glen West.  Several loaves of fresh white bread, made the
+night before, had been provided by Nannie, as well as some choice cake
+and preserves.
+
+In a little less than an hour supper was ready, and Glen took her place
+at the head of the table.  Cloth for the table there was none, but the
+rough boards were spotlessly clean.  The dishes were coarse, and all
+the dainty accessories of a modern household were wanting.  But
+Reynolds never enjoyed a meal as he did that one in the little cabin by
+the mirroring lake.  To him it was the girl who supplied all that was
+lacking.  She performed her humble duties as hostess with the same
+grace as if presiding at a fashionable repast in the heart of
+civilization.  He noted the happy expression in her eyes, and the rich
+color which mantled her cheeks whenever she met his ardent gaze.
+
+Glen was happier than she had ever been in her life, and while her
+father and Reynolds talked, she paid little attention to what they were
+saying.  She was thinking of the great change which had come over her
+father during the last few days.  He had made no reference to her
+confession of love for the young man, for which she was most thankful.
+She believed that he liked Reynolds, and found in him a companion after
+his own heart.  Her cares had been suddenly lifted, for in the presence
+of the two men she loved her fears and forebodings were forgotten.
+
+After supper they sat for a while in front of the cabin.  The men
+smoked and chatted.  It was a perfect night, and not at all dark, for a
+young moon was riding over the hills.  Not a ripple ruffled the surface
+of the lake, and the great forest lay silent and mysterious around.
+Weston told several stories of his experiences in the wilderness,
+especially of his encounter with a grizzly.
+
+"I am very proud of the final shot which brought the brute down," he
+said in conclusion.  "I wish you both could have seen it."
+
+"I do not believe it was any finer than the one which brought my
+grizzly down," Glen challenged.  "You should have seen that, daddy.  It
+was wonderful!"
+
+"Where did you learn to shoot so well?" Weston asked, turning to
+Reynolds.
+
+"Over in France.  I was a sharpshooter for a while."
+
+"Well, that is interesting," and Weston blew a cloud of smoke into the
+air, while his eyes wandered off across the lake.  "Had some lively
+experiences, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, at times.  But, then, no more than others.  All did their share,
+and did it the best they could."
+
+"Did you get anything; that is, were you wounded?"
+
+"I have a number of scars; that's all," was the modest reply.
+
+"And were you decorated?  Did you receive a medal?" Glen eagerly
+enquired.  She had often wished to ask that question, but had hitherto
+hesitated.  She had fondly dreamed that her lover was a hero of more
+than ordinary metal, and had carried off special honors.  But he was so
+reserved about what he had done that never until the present moment had
+she found courage to voice the question.
+
+Reynolds did not at once reply.  It was not his nature to make a
+display of his accomplishments.  He thought of the two medals securely
+fastened in his pocket.  They were the only treasures he had brought
+with him.  All else he had left behind.  But he could not part with the
+medals which meant so much to him.  He had not brought them for
+exhibition, but for encouragement in times of depression and trouble.
+In his terrible wanderings in the wilderness he had thought of them,
+and had been inspired.  But why should he not show them now? he asked
+himself.  It would please Glen, he was sure, and the medals would tell
+her father that he was no coward.
+
+"I have something which you might like to see," he at length replied,
+touching his breast with his hand.  "But perhaps we had better go
+inside, as it is getting dark out here."
+
+"When once within the cabin, Reynolds brought forth his two medals and
+laid them upon the table.  Eagerly Glen picked up one, and examined it
+by the light of the shaded lamp.
+
+"'For Distinguished Conduct on the Field,'" she read.  "Oh, isn't it
+great!  I knew that you had done something wonderful," and she turned
+her sparkling eyes to her lover's face.  "What is the other one for,
+daddy?" she asked, for her father was examining it intently.
+
+"This is 'For Bravery on the Field,'" Weston read.  "Allow me to
+congratulate you, young man," and he grasped Reynolds by the hand.  "I
+am so thankful now that I did not submit such a man as you to the
+Ordeal."
+
+Reynolds smiled, although, he was considerably confused.
+
+"You reserved it for this moment, I suppose," he replied.  "This is
+somewhat of an ordeal to me."
+
+"Then, let me increase your agony," and Glen's eyes twinkled as she,
+too, held out her hand.
+
+Reynolds took her firm, brown hand in his, and held it tight.  He found
+it difficult to control himself.  How he longed to stoop, clasp her in
+his arms, and take his toll from those smiling lips.  That would have
+been the best congratulation of all.  He merely bowed, however, and
+remained silent.  His heart was beating rapidly, and his bronzed face
+was flushed.
+
+"Suppose you tell us some of your experiences at the Front," Weston
+suggested, divining the cause of the young man's confusion.  "It has
+not been my fortune to meet anyone who has come through what you have,
+and I am sure Glen will enjoy it as well as myself."
+
+Although somewhat loath to tell of his adventures, Reynolds could not
+very well refuse such a request, so, seating himself, he simply related
+the story of his service under arms.  He said as little as possible
+about his own part in the fray, and touched but lightly upon the scenes
+wherein he had won his special decorations.  Weston, sitting by his
+side, listened as a man in a dream.  At times a deep sigh escaped his
+lips, for he himself had ardently longed to enlist, but had been
+rejected owing to his age.
+
+Not a word of the tale did Glen miss.  With her arms upon the table,
+and her hands supporting her cheeks, she kept her eyes fixed earnestly
+upon her lover's face.  Her bashfulness had departed, and she only saw
+in the young man across the table her ideal type of a hero.  She had no
+realization of the beautiful picture she presented, with the light
+falling softly upon her hair and animated, face.  But Reynolds knew,
+and as his eyes met hers, he became slightly confused, and hesitated in
+his story.  What a reward, he told himself, for all that he had
+endured.  He had been happy when the decorations were pinned upon his
+breast.  But that reward was nothing, and the medals mere baubles
+compared to the joy he was experiencing now.  If the love of such a
+woman had been his during the long, weary campaign, what might he not
+have accomplished?  How he would have been inspired to do and to dare,
+and in addition to those medals there might have been the coveted
+Victoria Cross.
+
+"Oh, I wish I were a man!" Glen fervently declared when Reynolds had
+finished his tale.  "How I would like to have been 'over there.'  You
+needn't smile, daddy," she continued.  "I know you consider me foolish,
+but I mean every word I say."
+
+"I understand, dear," was the quiet reply.  "I know just how you feel,
+for it is only natural.  However, I am glad that you are not a man, for
+you are of greater comfort to me because you are a girl.  But, there, I
+think we have talked enough for to-night.  You both must be tired after
+to-day's journey, and we have a hard trip ahead of us to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+AT THE REVOLVER'S POINT
+
+Glen awoke early the next morning, tired and depressed.  She had slept
+but little during the night, for her old fears had returned as she
+recalled the dream and Klota's warning.  Her excitement over Reynolds'
+story assisted, too, in driving sleep from her eyes, and she pictured
+him on the field of battle, with shells dropping on every side.  He was
+the one who stood out in clear relief above all others.  To her he was
+the hero in every scene, and she saw all looking to him for inspiration
+and guidance.  The glamor of love and hero-worship enwrapped her a
+willing victim in its enchanting embrace.
+
+Reynolds was quick to notice the tired expression in Glen's eyes and
+the lack of color in her cheeks as she came forth from her room and
+took her place at the table.
+
+"What's wrong, dear?" her father anxiously enquired.  "Didn't you sleep
+well?"
+
+"I didn't sleep at all, daddy.  Perhaps it was yesterday's excitement
+which kept me awake."
+
+"Then, you must not go with us to-day, Glen.  You stay here, and Sconda
+can remain with you.  That will delight the old fellow, for he has been
+trying to invent some excuse for not going.  In fact, he doesn't want
+me to go, either, and suggested that we all should return at once to
+Glen West."
+
+"Why, what was his reason?" and Glen looked her surprise.
+
+"Reason!  Did you ever know an Indian to have a reason for anything?
+He acts from instinct or superstition, and the latter is what ails
+Sconda now.  Klota has been telling him some bosh about a presentiment
+she had, that something terrible is going to happen to us out here in
+the hills."
+
+"And does Sconda believe it, too?" Glen asked, controlling her feelings
+with a great effort.
+
+"Certainly he believes it.  I laughed at him, and told him that he
+should have more sense than to pay any attention to such things."
+
+"But suppose he should be right?" Glen queried.  "The natives, you
+know, see things at times which are not revealed to us."
+
+"They see too many things, and that's the great trouble with them,"
+Weston replied.  "If they would dream less and do more it would be far
+better for all concerned.  I never had any faith in their fantastic
+presentiments, and I am too old to change my views now.  But Sconda
+might as well stay with you to-day, for I do not wish to leave you
+alone, and I am not anxious to have the old rascal with me with his
+head filled with such nonsense."
+
+Glen made no further reply to her father.  She was well aware how
+useless it would be to try to reason with him, and if she told him
+about the dream and her fears he would laugh at her, and consider her
+childish and foolish.
+
+When breakfast was over, the men began to prepare for their day's trip.
+This did not take them long, and soon they were all ready for their
+departure.  They decided to leave the horses behind, as there was no
+trail, and their course would take them over several hills where riding
+would be impossible.  They took only their rifles, while Natsu packed
+the scanty supply of food necessary for the day.
+
+"We expect to be back by sundown," Weston informed Glen.  "But should
+we be delayed, do not worry as we shall be all right.  We may be longer
+than we imagine in reaching the place, and if we discover the gold, we
+may take leave of our senses for a time and forget everything else.
+But Sconda will look after you, and there is plenty of reading matter
+to keep you out of mischief."
+
+As Weston stooped and kissed his daughter, he noted that she clung to
+him more tenderly than formerly, and that her body trembled slightly.
+Thinking that this was due to her lack of sleep, he did not give it any
+attention, but telling her to take a nap through the day, he picked up
+his rifle and strode off into the forest.
+
+Reynolds was more deeply concerned about Glen's wearied look than her
+father, and after they had gone a short distance he spoke of it.
+
+"She is tired, that's all," was the reply.  "A good sleep will make her
+all right again."
+
+"Perhaps she is worried about what Sconda said."
+
+"She may be, but she will soon get over that.  It is a great mistake to
+humor people in such nonsense.  I have often talked to Glen, but I
+cannot help feeling that the native beliefs have made a considerable
+impression upon her mind.  She has been with them so much that I
+suppose it is only natural."
+
+Reynolds said no more, but all through the day Glen's tired face and
+anxious eyes were ever before him.  How he longed to go back and stay
+with her.  The lure of gold had now lost its fascination for him, and
+he could only think of the girl in the little cabin by the mirroring
+lake.
+
+Glen stood at the window and watched the men as they swung on their
+way, until the forest hid them from view.  She could see them for some
+distance while they followed the shore before striking across a wild
+meadow at the upper end of the lake.  She remained there for several
+minutes after they had disappeared.  She felt very tired, lonely and
+unhappy.  She thought of her father's words, and they hurt her.  She
+knew that he loved her, but for all that she was fully convinced that
+he did not understand her.  She longed then, as she had often longed in
+the past, for her mother, in whom she could confide the deep, sacred
+emotions of her heart.  Her eyes became misty, and tears stole slowly
+down her cheeks.
+
+A step in the room startled her, and looking somewhat guiltily around,
+she saw Sconda advancing toward her.  The Indian was excited more than
+usual, at which Glen wondered, for she had never seen him so agitated
+before.
+
+"See, see!" and he pointed out of the window up toward the wild meadow.
+
+"What is it?" Glen asked, brushing away her tears in an effort to see
+more clearly.
+
+"White man!  Running, all same wolf.  Ugh!"
+
+Glen looked, and saw a man speeding across the meadow right on the
+trail of her father and Reynolds.  Instantly she grasped its meaning,
+and with a cry of fear she turned to the Indian.
+
+"Is it Curly?" she gasped.  "Do you think he means any harm?"
+
+"Curly follow Big White Chief," was the reply.  "Curly track white man.
+Bimeby Curly shoot."
+
+"Oh! do you think so?"  Glen clasped her hands before her, while her
+eyes grew big with apprehension.  "What can we do?  I know.  You go
+after that man, and stop him.  Never mind me, for I am all right.
+Look," and she thrust her hand into the bosom of her riding-dress and
+brought forth her revolver.  "I can shoot and take care of myself.  Go
+at once and save daddy and Mr. Reynolds."
+
+Sconda needed no second bidding, for he was anxious to be away.  His
+fears had vanished at the presence of the skulking enemy, and no matter
+how he might tremble at the thought of unseen ghostly foes, he was
+never known to flinch before the face of a living earthly being.  Glen
+knew that he was the finest trailsman in the north, and she felt more
+satisfied as she watched him, rifle in hand, disappear amid the trees.
+
+For some time she stood at the window, straining her eyes to see Sconda
+reappear and cross the wild meadow.  But she watched in vain, for the
+native had taken another route, which, though rougher, was less exposed
+to view.
+
+Glen was about to turn away from the window, when, happening to glance
+to her left, she saw someone coming from the lake toward the house.
+She recognized him immediately.  It was Curly!  At first she imagined
+that she must be dreaming, for was not Curly away on the trail of her
+father and Reynolds?  What did it all mean?  Sconda must have been
+mistaken, for there was the villain walking cautiously from the shore.
+Intuitively Glen placed her hand to her heart, as if to stop its wild
+beating, while she tried to think of some way of escape.  What should
+she do?  Where could she go?  she frantically asked herself.  But she
+must not remain there, for she was well aware of the purpose of Curly's
+visit.  He had planned a plot with the assistance of someone as vile as
+himself, and had caught her in his trap.  But he should not take her in
+the house, and she knew it would be useless to fasten the door against
+him.  She would meet him in the open, and if it came to the worst she
+knew what she could do.  Her hand touched her heaving bosom where the
+revolver was resting, and it somewhat calmed her fears, and inspired
+her with courage.
+
+Swiftly crossing the room, she reached the open door and stepped
+outside just when Curly was but a few yards away.  He stopped,
+surprised at the girl's unexpected appearance.  He noted her agitation,
+and his lips parted in a grin, such as a wolf might assume when about
+to pounce upon an innocent lamb.  It was this grin which dispelled
+Glen's fear and aroused in her breast an intense anger.  As she looked
+upon the dirty and unkempt creature before her, and thought of the mean
+advantage he was taking of a woman, the paleness left her face and her
+cheeks crimsoned with indignation.  Why should she become a victim to
+such a vile thing?
+
+Glen was perfectly composed now, and looked Curly steadily in the eyes.
+She had no intention of parleying with the villain, and the sooner he
+realised her mettle the better it would be.
+
+"What do you want?" she demanded.  "My father is not here, if you wish
+to see him."
+
+"It's you I want to see," Curly replied with a grin.
+
+"What do you want to see me for?"  Glen's words were so cold, firm and
+business-like that Curly was somewhat taken aback.
+
+"Oh, I just thought I would drop around an' see ye, that's all," he
+prevaricated.
+
+"Well, you might have saved yourself the trouble, for I don't want to
+see you."
+
+"Ye don't, eh?" Curly snarled, for the girl's words stung him.  "I
+don't care whether ye do or not.  It's not what you want, but what I
+want."
+
+"What do you mean by those words?"
+
+"I guess ye ought to know.  Didn't I tell ye at the dance that I love
+ye?"
+
+"Love me!" and Glen's eyes flashed.  "Do you know the meaning of the
+word love?  I suppose you told the same to many girls you have ruined."
+
+"I never loved anyone as I love you," the villain whined.
+
+"I suppose I should be flattered, but I am not.  I don't want what you
+call your love, or anything to do with you."
+
+"D'ye mean that yer goin' to throw me over?"
+
+"Throw you over!  I don't understand you."
+
+"Yes, throw me over fer that slick guy you're so chummy with.  I
+suppose he's been tellin' ye what a bad man I am, an' so turned ye
+against me."
+
+"What right have you to say that?  You were never anything to me except
+just what you are, a creature capable of almost any deed of villainy.
+I only met you two or three times in my life, and why should you
+presume to think that you had won my affection?"
+
+"Well, if ye think I'm bad to the core, I will soon show you that I am.
+It's no use, I see, to beat about the bush any longer.  If I can't get
+you one way I will another, an' I'll have you ahead of that d---- guy
+who has won your heart.  You're here alone with me, remember, an'
+that's all I want."
+
+Curly had thrown aside all pretense now, and his face bore an ugly
+expression as he stepped quickly forward.  But it was only a step or
+two he took, for he stopped short with a surprised jerk when he beheld
+the menacing point of a revolver directed straight at his head.  The
+hand that held the weapon was firm, and the blaze in Glen's eyes was
+sufficient warning.  This was more than he had expected, and he knew
+not what to do.
+
+"Keep back," the girl ordered.
+
+"Surely ye wouldn't shoot, Miss?" the brute whimpered.
+
+"Take another step forward and you'll soon find out."  The voice was
+stern and business-like.
+
+"But I won't harm ye."
+
+"No, indeed you won't.  I'll see to that."
+
+"I was only foolin'," the wretch lied.  "I didn't mean anything."
+
+"Well, I'm not fooling, and I mean what I say.  You thought in your
+base heart that I would be an easy victim, didn't you?  But you now
+know that Glen Weston has some of her father's spirit.  She can shoot,
+too, and if you doubt it, just try any more of your nonsense."
+
+Curly was in a trap, and when he found that this slip of a girl was
+more than his match he started to give vent to his rage in vile,
+insolent language.
+
+"Stop that," Glen sternly ordered.  "It is bad enough to have you here
+without having to listen to such language.  Stop; I say," she again
+commanded, as Curly was about to continue.  "Yes, I mean it, so you
+needn't doubt my word.  And you might as well put your hands together.
+Hurry up; I give you two seconds.  You are not to be trusted."
+
+Slowly Curly obeyed, and stood before the girl, his hands clasped, and
+completely subdued.  A smile of victory flitted across Glen's face,
+though her eyes and mouth were expressive of the deepest scorn.
+
+"You didn't expect this, did you?" she bantered.
+
+"Expect what?"
+
+"To be standing so meekly before a woman.  You imagined that she would
+be doing that to you."
+
+"You're not a woman," Curly growled; "you're a she-devil."
+
+"Oh, so you've changed your opinion of me," and Glen laughed.  "I am
+very glad of that, for you won't be crazy about me any more."
+
+"Crazy!  Your face an' figure would drive any man crazy."
+
+"Dear me, do I look as horrible as all that?  It's a wonder you are not
+a raving lunatic."
+
+"I will if you keep me here much longer.  Let me go an' I'll never
+trouble you again.  That slick guy can have you fer all I care.  I
+don't want anything to do with a woman who holds ye up at the point of
+a gun."
+
+"No, I am sure you don't, Curly.  You prefer to prey upon women who are
+helpless, and who cannot lift a hand in self-defense.  But I am
+different, as you have found out to your cost."
+
+"Let me go, will ye?" the wretch pleaded.  "I've had enough of this."
+
+"Oh, have you, eh?  Well, that's interesting.  But, look here, I am not
+through with you yet.  You came here without any invitation, though in
+a way I am glad that you did come, and I intend to keep you here for a
+while."
+
+"H'm, ye must like my company after all," Curly sneered.  "You're a
+queer one."
+
+"Yes, I like your company at present better than your absence," Glen
+confessed.  "I know just where you are, and that you can do no mischief
+while you are under my charge.  If I should let you go now it would be
+an injustice to others.  You must settle this affair with my father,
+and you know what that will mean."
+
+"I'm not worryin' about yer dad, or anyone else," Curly replied.
+"He'll have all he can attend to without botherin' about me.  Most
+likely he's in a hotter place now than ever he struck on earth."
+
+Into Glen's eyes leaped an expression of wild fear, as the meaning of
+Curly's words dawned upon her.
+
+"Ye understand?" Curly sneered.  "Two can play at this game, remember,
+an' mebbe more'n two."
+
+"Was that your partner who followed my father?"
+
+"Sure.  It was Dan, an' he means business."
+
+"What business?"
+
+"Oh, Dan'll tell ye when he comes back."
+
+"Do you mean that he intends to shoot my father and Mr. Reynolds?"
+
+"Mr. Reynolds!" Curly mockingly repeated.  "Yes, Mr. Reynolds, too."
+
+Glen's outstretched arm was tired, but these words renewed her
+strength, and her fingers clutched more firmly the butt of the
+revolver.  Curly was fully aware that the girl was becoming wrought up
+to a high pitch of excitement, and he regretted that he had told her
+anything about Dan.  What might not this girl do? he asked himself.  In
+fact he was very near death just then, for Glen in her agitation was
+unconsciously pressing the trigger slightly with her forefinger.  But
+Curly knew, and his face blanched.
+
+"Fer God's sake, be careful what yer doin'!" he screamed.  "That gun'll
+go off, if ye don't look out!"
+
+"Perhaps it might be well if it did," was the reply.  "I am strongly
+tempted to shoot you where you stand.  But I guess I will wait until
+Sconda comes back.  And then, remember, if my father and Mr. Reynolds
+are dead, you die, and at my hands at that.  You can remain just where
+you are, and I shall guard you, even if I have to wait here all day."
+
+"But I can't stand here," Curly whined.  "Let me sit down."
+
+"No, you must stay just where you are, and keep your hands clasped.  I
+shall sit down, though," and Glen seated herself upon the doorstep.
+
+Curly started to remonstrate, but was sternly checked.
+
+"I do not wish to hear anything more," Glen emphatically told him.
+"You can keep your thoughts and your words to yourself.  And do not
+annoy me, or I might lose control of myself and do something rash."
+
+Seeing that the girl was thoroughly in earnest, Curly said no more, but
+stood there with his eyes fixed straight forward.  The only time Glen
+spoke was whenever she detected his look wavering in the slightest
+degree.  Then she called him sharply to attention, and warned him to be
+mindful of what he was doing.
+
+Thus slowly and wearily the morning wore away.  With nerves strung to
+the highest tension, Glen guarded her prisoner, at the same time
+listening anxiously for the sound of Sconda's returning footsteps.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+WHEN THE RIFLES CRACKED
+
+Ever since leaving for the hills Reynolds had the strong feeling that
+the ruler of Glen West was studying him very closely.  In various
+subtle ways he could tell that he was being tested, and so this morning
+as they moved forward he seemed like one undergoing a peculiar
+examination.  That his war record had made a deep impression upon
+Weston he was well aware.  But the man did not yet seem satisfied.  He
+evidently wished to probe to the very soul of the one who had captured
+his daughter's heart.
+
+After Weston had expressed himself concerning Indian superstition,
+little was said until they had crossed the wild meadow and partly
+encircled the opposite side of the lake.  From here their course would
+take them directly overland toward the high hill with the cave of gold.
+
+They were about to leave the shore, when Reynolds suddenly paused and
+looked excitedly around.  Then his eyes fell upon the remains of a
+campfire, and nearby, fastened to a stick in the ground, he saw a piece
+of paper.  This he quickly seized and read the brief message it
+contained.  He at once turned to Weston, who had been silently watching
+his every movement.
+
+"It's from Frontier Samson," Reynolds explained.  "The old man is
+greatly worried over my disappearance, and has been searching for me
+several days.  He must have known about your cabin, sir, for he
+mentions it here, and advises me to go there at once should I return.
+It is strange that he didn't mention it to me."
+
+"He thought it hardly worth while, I suppose," Weston replied.  "You
+were not bound that way."
+
+"But we must have been, though," Reynolds insisted.  "How else could we
+have reached Glen West but by the trail over which we travelled
+yesterday?  Surely he must have known that."
+
+"It is difficult at times to fathom an old prospector's mind," Weston
+replied, as he threw his rifle over his shoulder and continued on his
+way.  "So you two were bound for Glen West, were you?" he queried,
+after they had gone a short distance.
+
+"We certainly were, until I spoiled everything by getting lost."
+
+"You must not be too sure about that, young man.  It is hard to tell
+what might have happened to you had you reached Glen West by the trail.
+You must have been aware of the risk you were running."
+
+"Oh, the risk is nothing when a great ideal lies ahead.  I for one
+would rather die following a noble vision than lie grovelling among the
+broken shards of life.  It was that which led so many to sacrifice
+their all in the Great War.  Lack of vision means repression, and often
+ruin; vision, expression."
+
+"In what way?  Go on, I am much interested."
+
+"In what way?" Reynolds repeated, as he stopped and looked far away
+upon some towering mountain peaks which just then were visible through
+an opening among the trees.  "Take the steam-engine for example.
+Repress the power, and what do you get?  Destruction.  But give that
+power expression, and how beneficial it becomes.  So it is with man.
+There is a mighty power within him.  Repress that power, keep it back,
+and you get nothing.  But let that power be released, and it expresses
+itself in thousands of ways for the benefit of mankind."
+
+"But what has that to do with vision?" Weston asked.
+
+"A great deal.  It is the vision, the lure of something beyond, which
+calls forth that power and compels it to undertake great things.  All
+the wonderful achievements of the past are due to men of vision.  They
+saw what others could not see, and in the face of opposition and
+discouragement they went steadily forward."
+
+"And what did you expect to accomplish when you started for Glen West?"
+
+At these words Reynolds gave a slight start, and glanced curiously at
+his companion.
+
+"I hoped to win the fairest and noblest flower of womanhood that it has
+ever been my lot to know except one, and that was my mother."
+
+"Other men have said the same thing, young man," and Weston smiled.
+"They, like yourself, followed attractive faces, pleasing forms, and
+luring voices, and when it was too late they found out their mistake.
+You know the legend of the Sirens, I suppose?"
+
+"That has been true, sir, in many cases.  But mine is different.  Some
+women have many outward attractions, but no souls.  The first time I
+beheld your daughter I detected something in her that I never saw
+before in any woman, and that is saying a great deal.  Since I have
+known her better, I have found that I was right, and that she is worthy
+of a man's noblest vision.  A woman such as she is would elevate a man
+who has the least spark of nobleness."
+
+"You are right, young man, you are certainly right," Weston
+acknowledged, and his voice was somewhat husky.  "You are more than
+fortunate in having such a vision.  But what will it lead to?"
+
+"That remains to be seen," Reynolds slowly replied.  "Anyway, the
+vision I have been following has made a new man of me already.  Before
+I saw your daughter on the street one night, I had no aim in life.  I
+was ready to drift anywhere and into anything.  But the sight of her
+brought me up standing, and gave me a new impulse.  Even though my
+vision should never be attained, I am better and stronger, for what the
+poet says is true, that 'The striving makes the man.'"
+
+They were crossing a wild meadow now, and before them loomed the high
+hill up which Reynolds had so wearily climbed in his great battle for
+life.  He could hardly believe that they were so near the place, and he
+expressed his astonishment to his companion.
+
+"We have come in a straight course," Weston explained, "and that makes
+the difference.  When you were lost, you wandered around for a long
+time until you happened by chance upon yonder hill.  It is a wonder to
+me that you ever found your way out of this region."
+
+"So it is to me," Reynolds replied.  "And to think that I was so
+foolish as to chase that moose after what Frontier Samson told me.  I
+see now that the old man was right.  I wonder where he can be.  Perhaps
+he has gone back to Big Draw.  I must go there, too, as soon as we
+return, for I feel sure that Samson is worrying about me."
+
+"If we find that mine, you will have to hurtle to Big Draw to record
+our claims," Weston reminded.  "One of the Indians can go with you to
+show the way."
+
+"I suppose the miners will make a wild stampede into this place as soon
+as they hear of the discovery."
+
+"Most likely.  But there have been so many 'wild-cat' claims recorded
+of late that they may merely consider this another, and pay little
+attention to it.  However, do not say much about it, and they may take
+no notice.  We can get our haul first, and then they may come as fast
+as they like."
+
+After they had crossed the wild meadow it was necessary to travel
+several hundred yards up the little stream at which Reynolds had slaked
+his thirst.  The meadow ere long ended, and the high, frowning sides of
+the two opposing hills shouldered toward each other, thus forming a
+deep draw about fifty yards in width.
+
+"It was up there where the eagle fell," Reynolds explained, as he stood
+looking up the ravine.  "Poor creature, it was hard when it was merely
+doing its duty.  But it saved my life, though, and perhaps that was
+something."
+
+"It is always the way," Weston made answer.  "Little is accomplished in
+this world without sacrifice, and often the innocent are the sufferers.
+And I reckon we shall not get that gold without sacrificing something.
+I see that Natsu is not altogether pleased at the prospect of climbing
+this hill.  But it cannot be helped, so we might as well begin at once."
+
+It took them some time to ascend, and often they were forced to draw
+themselves up by means of rocks and small trees.  Occasionally they
+rested, for combined with the steep climb the sun was pouring its fiery
+beams full upon their heads.
+
+"I do not believe the miners will find this place in a hurry," Reynolds
+panted, as he sat upon a ledge of rock where he had with difficulty
+dragged himself.  "When I first climbed up here I worked my way along
+the side of the hill, which was somewhat easier.  Short cuts don't
+always pay."
+
+"That must have been the reason why you didn't take one to Glen West,"
+Weston replied, as he, too, rested upon the rock.
+
+"It's a definite proof, sir, of what I just said, that short cuts don't
+always pay.  I was cursing myself for getting lost in the wilderness,
+when all the time it was the only way whereby I could reach Glen West
+in safety.  Had I gone any other route, by a short cut, for instance,
+you would have pitched me at once beyond the Golden Crest."
+
+Weston made no reply, and once more they continued their climb.  Up and
+up they slowly made their tortuous way, and at length Reynolds, who was
+leading, gave a shout as his eyes fell upon the desired cave.  With a
+bound he sprang forward, reached the place and was standing before the
+opening when his companions arrived.
+
+"There it is!" he cried, stooping and pointing into the cave.  "And,
+look, there are the remains of my fire which the rain nearly put out."
+
+Weston was greatly excited now, and drawing a candle from his pocket,
+he lighted it, and together the three made their way into the mine.
+They had not proceeded far when the richness of the cave became most
+apparent, and Weston stared in amazement at the wealth he beheld on
+every side.
+
+"Why, it's a regular King Solomon's mine!" he exclaimed.  "It has never
+been worked, and being so far up the side of the hill it has been
+missed by the prospectors who have scoured this region.  The place is
+full of gold!  Just look at that!" and he held out a handful of earth
+he had taken from the right hand wall.  "Our fortunes are made."
+
+"Suppose we get something to eat," Reynolds suggested.  "I am almost
+starved.  We can examine our treasure afterwards."
+
+It did not take Natsu long to prepare their simple repast at the mouth
+of the cave, as their luncheon consisted merely of sandwiches and cake.
+But there was plenty, and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal.  When it
+was finished Weston and Reynolds leaned back against a big rock, filled
+and lighted their pipes.
+
+"My! this is comfort," Reynolds remarked.  "It is not much like the
+first time I visited this place.  I little expected to be here so soon
+again."
+
+"And it won't be the last time, either," Weston replied, as he puffed
+thoughtfully at his pipe.  "The amount of gold in this cave astonishes
+me."
+
+"You thought it was all a cock-and-bull story I was telling you, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I really did," was the candid confession.  "I believed that the
+fearful experiences through which you passed had affected your brain
+for a time, and that you imagined you had discovered a rich mine."
+
+Reynolds laughed as he looked down the steep cliff.
+
+"How are we to get the gold out of this place?" he asked.  "It will be
+difficult to take it by the way we have just come."
+
+"Oh, that will be no trouble, as we can easily get it to the Tasan, and
+from there take it down on _The Frontiersman_.  I have been some
+distance up the river and know that it can be navigated.  We can----"
+
+Weston never finished his sentence, for the sharp crack of a rifle
+suddenly split the air, and a bullet, passing through the top of
+Reynolds' hat, spattered on the rock close to his head.  Instantly
+another shot rang out, farther down the creek, followed immediately by
+a wild, piercing shriek of pain.  Then all was still.
+
+Greatly surprised and mystified, the men leaped to their feet, and
+stood staring across at the opposite hill from whence the sounds had
+come.  But nothing could they see except the great silent wall of rock
+and earth.  Each man grasped his rifle in readiness for any emergency,
+not knowing what to expect next.
+
+"Who can it be?" Weston asked.  "What is the meaning of that second
+shot, and the scream of pain?  There's something wrong over there,
+that's quite evident."
+
+"Suppose we cross over and investigate," Reynolds suggested.  "It may
+have been a stray shot which went through my hat.  But, hello! who's
+that?"
+
+"Where?" Weston asked.
+
+"Don't you see him?" and Reynolds pointed to his left.  "Look, he is
+moving along the top of the hill toward where we heard the first shot."
+
+The form of a man could be seen, gliding swiftly and cautiously
+forward, carrying a rifle.  Only brief glimpses could be obtained of
+him as he emerged now and then from behind rocks and clumps of stunted
+trees, so it was impossible to make out whether he was a white man or
+an Indian.  At length he vanished entirely for several minutes, while
+the curious and anxious watchers waited for him to reappear.
+
+It seemed to them much longer than it really was before they saw him
+again, and this time he was standing upon a huge rock motioning with
+his arms.
+
+"Why, it's Sconda!" Weston exclaimed in amazement.  "What does he
+want?" he asked, turning to Natsu, who all the time had remained
+perfectly silent.
+
+"'Come quick,' Sconda say," was the reply.
+
+"Ask him what is the matter," Weston ordered.
+
+This Natsu at once did, but all the answer he received was the request
+to hurry.
+
+"What ails the fellow, anyway?" Weston growled.  "Why can't he tell us
+what's wrong?  Anyway, we might as well go and find out for ourselves,
+for there is something mysterious about this whole affair.  Confound it
+all!  I want to make a further examination of this mine and see how far
+it extends.  This is certainly provoking."
+
+It did not take them long to reach the bed of the creek, although they
+received a number of bruises and scratches in the swift descent.  But
+the climb up the opposite hill was a difficult undertaking, and by the
+time they reached the top they were almost exhausted.  Here they rested
+a few minutes, and then hurried as fast as possible toward the spot
+from where Sconda had signalled his message.  The latter they did not
+again see until they had scrambled over a series of jagged rocks, and
+plowed their way through a tangle of scrubby bushes and trees.  At last
+they suddenly beheld him bending over something lying upon a rock,
+which as they drew nearer they found to be the form of a man.
+
+Weston now was in the lead, and at the first glance he recognized the
+prostrate man.
+
+"It's the villain Dan!" he exclaimed.  "What in time is he doing here?
+Is he dead?" he asked, turning to Sconda.
+
+"Dan no dead," was the reply.  "Dan all same sleep."
+
+"Unconscious, eh?" Weston queried as he stooped and felt the man's
+pulse.  "He's alive, all right, but bleeding.  Did you shoot him,
+Sconda?"
+
+"Ah, ah, Sconda shoot."
+
+"Why did you shoot him?"
+
+"Dan shoot first.  Dan shoot at Big White Chief," and Sconda pointed to
+the cave across the ravine.
+
+Weston looked at Reynolds as the light of comprehension dawned upon his
+mind.
+
+"It seems to me that there is something in Indian presentiment, after
+all," he confessed.  "How did you know that Dan was going to shoot me?"
+he asked Sconda.
+
+The latter, however, made no reply.  He merely shook his head and
+glanced furtively and anxiously around.  This Weston noticed, and it
+aroused his curiosity.
+
+"What's the matter, Sconda?  You seem to be nervous.  Do you expect
+more shooting?"
+
+"Sconda no savvey.  More bad white man.  Ugh!"
+
+"Well, then, let us get away from this place as soon as possible."
+
+"What about Dan?" Reynolds asked.  "We can't leave him here."
+
+"That's true," and Weston turned toward the wounded man.  "He deserves
+to stay, though, for his base treachery.  But we cannot do that, so
+must tote him back to the cabin.  It will be a hard task, and the
+villain isn't worth it.  But, come to think of it, we must not let him
+die until we hear his story.  There may be others in this plot, and we
+must find out who they are.  Come, Sconda, give us a hand.  Surely four
+of us can carry him."
+
+An exclamation from Natsu caused the white men to look quickly around,
+and as they did so they saw Sconda some distance away, bounding like a
+deer from rock to rock.  At first Weston stared in amazement.  Then he
+called and ordered him to come back.  For the first time in his life
+Sconda paid no heed to his master's command, but sped rapidly forward,
+and in a few minutes was entirely hidden from view.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+BY THE INLAND LAKE
+
+It seemed to Glen as if the morning would never wear away as she sat
+and guarded her prisoner.  The severe strain was showing its effect
+upon her face, which was unusually pale.  Her eyes never once left the
+man before her, and the revolver, as it rested lightly upon her lap,
+was pointed straight toward him, ready for immediate action.  She would
+not allow Curly to speak, and whenever he made the attempt she sternly
+checked him and menacingly raised her weapon of authority.  Her brain
+was very active, and her thoughts were by no means happy ones.  Suppose
+her father and lover should be shot ere Sconda could do anything, what
+would be the outcome? she asked herself.  She was well aware that
+Sconda and Natsu would be more than a match for Dan, but he might
+escape and get back to the cabin first.  Her face became stern as she
+thought of this, and she made up her mind what she would do.  She could
+deal with Curly all right, and settle his account.  She would then have
+only Dan to face.  Anyway, she was determined that she would never fall
+into the hands of those two villains so long as her revolver held true
+and while the last cartridge remained.
+
+And thus she retained her post through the slow morning hours.  The sun
+rode high in the heavens and beat upon her throbbing head.  Birds
+flitted and sang around her, and squirrels chattered and scolded among
+the trees.  Would Sconda never return? she wondered.  What could be
+keeping him!  At times she felt that she could endure the strain no
+longer, but when she realised how much was at stake she always nerved
+herself by a mighty effort.
+
+Curly watched Glen's every movement, and seeing how weary she was
+becoming trusted to catch her off guard, spring forward, strike the
+revolver from her hand, and seize her in his arms before she could
+shoot.  This was his only hope, but whenever he was on the point of
+making the desperate attempt, the stern word of command and the
+slightly lifted weapon caused him quickly to desist.  Glen seemed to
+divine his purpose, and always checked him in time.
+
+So desperate did Curly at length become that he decided to throw all
+caution to the wind.  He was very anxious over Dan's tardiness in
+returning, and feared lest his scheme had failed.  He knew full well
+that if Jim Weston should suddenly appear and find him in such an
+embarrassing situation it would go hard with him.  It would be death,
+anyway, without any chance of defending himself.  He knew how furious
+Weston would be at the attempt made not only upon his own life but upon
+his daughter's honor.  The perspiration poured in great beads down his
+face as he thought of this.  Glen saw his agitation, and attributed it
+to the heat of the sun and weariness.  She little knew what was passing
+through the villain's mind.  And, in fact, she never learned, for at
+this critical moment Sconda bounded from the forest and stood by her
+side.  A cry of joy escaped Glen's lips as she beheld her deliverer and
+knew that she was saved.
+
+In a twinkling Sconda grasped the situation, and with a terrible roar
+of rage be brought his rifle to his shoulder and would have shot Curly
+where he stood, had not Glen leaped to her feet and laid her hand
+firmly upon the smooth barrel.
+
+"Don't shoot!" Curly yelled, wild with terror, ere Glen could say a
+word.  "Fer God's sake, let me go!"
+
+But the enraged Indian was not easily diverted from his purpose, and it
+was only with much difficulty that Glen was able to make him listen to
+reason.
+
+"Curly bad," he argued.  "Curly all same black bear.  Ugh!"
+
+"I know that, Sconda," Glen agreed.  "But I want you to mind me now,
+and let him go.  Search him, and take his gun."
+
+Very reluctantly Sconda obeyed, and in a few seconds he was holding in
+his hand Curly's revolver and a big, sharp, dangerous knife.
+
+"There, I feel safer now," and Glen breathed a deep sigh of relief.
+"Take him away, Sconda," she ordered.  "I want to get him out of my
+sight."
+
+As Sconda seized the wretch roughly by the arm, and was about to hurry
+him away, Curly emitted a cry of fear, and turned toward Glen.
+
+"He'll kill me!" he yelled.  "I can see it in his eyes.  He'll get me
+down among the trees an' shoot me!  Don't let him take me!  Save me!
+Fer God's sake, save me!"
+
+"You need not be afraid of Sconda," Glen replied, while her eyes
+flashed with contempt.  "He is a true man, and respects me and my
+orders.  He will not harm you, so you need not fear him.  But there are
+others you might well fear should they Hear of what you have done
+to-day.  That is all I have to say.  Take him away, Sconda."
+
+Glen went at once into the cabin, and the coolness of the place was a
+great relief to the intense heat outside.  She watched from the window
+as Sconda conducted Curly down along the shore of the lake until they
+disappeared from view.
+
+In about a quarter of an hour Sconda returned.  Glen met him at the
+door, and enquired anxiously about her father and Reynolds.  She spoke
+in the Indian language, and this always pleased Sconda.  His face
+brightened, and as he looked at the animated face before him his lips
+parted in a smile.
+
+"The white men are safe," he told her.  "They will come into camp by
+and by."
+
+"And where is Dan?" Glen enquired.  "Did you see him?"
+
+"Ah, ah.  Dan tried to shoot the white men, but Sconda was too quick.
+Dan now all same sleep."
+
+"Not dead, is he?"
+
+"No, no; all same sleep."
+
+"Unconscious, eh?"
+
+"Ah, ah."
+
+"And so you came to tell me that daddy and Mr. Reynolds are safe?"
+
+"Sconda ran away.  Big White Chief wanted Sconda to help carry Dan into
+camp.  But Sconda run away fast."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Sconda think maybe Curly here.  Sconda was right, eh?"
+
+"Oh, I understand," Glen replied.  Her eyes were shining with gratitude
+as she turned them upon the face of her valiant protector.  "You
+thought I might be in danger.  You knew that Dan and Curly had plotted
+together, and that when Curly was not out there he must be here trying
+to harm me.  How can I thank you, Sconda, for what you have done for me
+to-day?  I do not know what would have happened had you not come just
+when you did."
+
+"Missie Glen hold up Curly, all same man, eh?" and Sconda smiled.
+
+"Indeed I did.  But I could not have stood it much longer, I was afraid
+that I would have to shoot him."
+
+"Why did Missie Glen not let Sconda shoot Curly?"
+
+"Because it would be murder, that's why.  If you had shot Curly, the
+Mounted Police would take you away, and most likely hang you.  Just
+think of that."
+
+"But Curly bad, ugh!"
+
+"I know that, Sconda.  But it wouldn't make any difference.  You would
+be considered a murderer, and I don't want to lose you yet.  And,
+remember, Sconda, don't you dare to tell anyone that Curly was here."
+
+"Sconda no tell!  Why?"
+
+"Because if daddy hears of it, he will be so angry that he will kill
+Curly.  You must not tell anyone, so daddy and Mr. Reynolds will know
+nothing about it.  You will promise, won't you, Sconda?"
+
+With considerable reluctance Sconda agreed to keep the secret.  He knew
+that it was not the wisest thing to do, for he was fully convinced that
+Curly should be punished.  But he would do anything rather than
+displease his young mistress, for whom he had such an unbounded
+admiration.
+
+"Missie Glen hungry, eh?" he unexpectedly asked.
+
+"I really don't know," Glen laughingly replied.  "I have not had time
+to think about it.  Are you?"
+
+"Ah, ah; Sconda hungry."
+
+"Well, then, you can get dinner ready, and perhaps I shall be able to
+eat something, too."
+
+Sconda at once set to work, and in a remarkably short time he had a
+simple meal prepared.  He served Glen first, and waited upon her until
+she had finished.
+
+"How long will it take the men to come back?" Glen asked as she rose
+from the table.
+
+"Till sundown, maybe," was the reply.  "Dan is heavy and hard to carry."
+
+"Well, then, I am going to lie down for a while, Sconda.  I did not
+sleep any last night, and the excitement of to-day has made me very
+tired.  You will keep watch around the cabin, will you not?"
+
+"Ah, ah, Sconda will watch.  Sconda will shoot Curly if he comes back."
+
+"Oh, I guess Curly will not come here again, especially when he knows
+that I have such a noble protector."
+
+Sconda was pleased at these words of praise, and after he had eaten his
+dinner he sat and smoked contentedly before the door of the cabin.  He
+was happier than he had been in many a day.  He had saved the white
+men, knocked out Dan, rescued his master's daughter, and headed Curly
+for Big Draw.  His only regret was that he had not been allowed to
+shoot Curly, and thus rid the earth of another villain.
+
+Glen was completely wearied out, and a few minutes after her head
+touched the pillow she was fast asleep.  She slept soundly for several
+hours, and when she awoke the shadows of night were stealing in through
+the little window.  The sound of voices in the adjoining room informed
+her that her father and Reynolds had returned.  She also heard the
+rattle of dishes and knew that Sconda was preparing supper.  Hastily
+arranging her hair, and with a final glance in the small mirror, she
+softly opened the door.  Weston and Reynolds were already seated at the
+table, while the lighted lamp told Glen that it was later than she had
+imagined.
+
+"Hello!" Weston accosted, as he turned and beheld his daughter.  "You
+are a sound sleeper.  Been sleeping all day, I suppose!"
+
+Reynolds had risen to his feet the instant Glen appeared, and he waited
+until she had taken her place at the table ere he resumed his seat.  He
+was pleased to see her looking so bright and animated.  The color had
+returned to her cheeks, and the expression of fear had vanished from
+her eyes.
+
+"Where is the wounded man, daddy?" Glen at once asked.
+
+"In the bunk out there," and Weston motioned to the kitchen.  "He
+doesn't deserve all the trouble we've had to-day.  My, he was a heavy
+load!  And to think that Sconda should have run away and left us.  I
+wonder what came over the rascal?"
+
+"Is Dan seriously wounded, do you think?" Glen enquired, evading her
+father's reference to Sconda.
+
+"No, just a scratch, which made him unconscious for a time.  He'll be
+all right in a few days, I am sorry to say.  Such a treacherous
+creature is better dead than alive."
+
+"What will you do with him, daddy?"
+
+"Keep him here for a while and patch him up.  I must find out why he
+tried to shoot us, and if there are others in the plot, I know the
+villain is very revengeful, and that may have been his sole purpose for
+following us to-day.  How did Sconda know about him, Glen?"
+
+"He saw him hurrying along this side of the lake shortly after you had
+disappeared beyond the wild meadow.  I thought it best for Sconda to
+go."
+
+"And mighty fortunate you did.  Why, the villain would have shot us all
+if Sconda hadn't been on hand."
+
+"Do you intend to stay here a while, daddy?"
+
+"Long enough to look after my patient.  But you must go home, and Natsu
+will go with you.  Reynolds has to hurry down to Big Draw to record our
+claims."
+
+"And so you found the gold?"  Glen eagerly asked.
+
+"I should say we did.  Why, that cave is full of it.  We shall be as
+rich as Croesus in a short time."
+
+"Oh, I am so glad," and the girl gave a sigh of relief.  "When we get
+the gold why cannot we leave this country, daddy, and go outside?  I
+want to travel and see the world, and enjoy life.  There, now, I know
+you will either scold or laugh at me.  But I mean every word I say."
+
+"I shall do neither, dear," was the quiet reply, "so you need not fear.
+I have known for some time that you wish to leave this country, and I
+have given it very serious consideration.  But you must wait a while,
+that is, for a few days at least.  It all depends upon something about
+which I do not care to speak now, as I must have more time to think it
+over."
+
+Weston rose suddenly from the table and went into the kitchen.  Glen
+and Reynolds looked at each other without a word.  They were both
+surprised at Weston's words and the abrupt manner in which he left
+them.  Moved by the same impulse, they, too, rose from the table and
+went out of doors.  It was a beautiful evening, and the sky beyond the
+mountain peaks was aglow with the lingering light of departing day.
+The lake lay like a mirror, its borders black with the shadows of the
+near-by trees.
+
+At the kitchen window Weston stood wrapped in thought.  Forgotten was
+the man lying in the bunk, for his mind was upon the two slowly wending
+their way to the lake.  The room seemed to stifle him, so he went to
+the door and stood there, silent and alone.  He was fighting the
+hardest battle of his life, much harder, in fact, than the one he had
+fought in his study the night he had first interviewed Reynolds.  He
+knew that he was at the parting of the ways.  That Glen had given her
+heart to the young stranger he was certain, and he believed that she
+would never be happy apart from him.  They would leave the northland,
+and should he remain?  That was the question which was now agitating
+his mind.  How could he live alone without Glen's inspiring presence?
+There was no one to take her place, and he was getting well along in
+years.  He thought of her who had meant so much to him in the sweet
+days of old.  What agony had wrung his soul when she was taken from
+him, and how his whole life had been changed.  A slight groan escaped
+the lips of the unhappy man, and mechanically he reached out his hands
+into the night.  At once there flashed into his mind the words Glen and
+Reynolds had sung together at Glen West:
+
+  "'Tis a tale that is truer and older
+  Than any the sagas tell.
+  I loved you in life too little--
+  I love you in death too well."
+
+The sound of happy laughter from the shore fell upon his ears.  He
+started and looked down toward the shore.  He could dimly see the two
+standing near the water close to each other, and intuitively he knew
+its meaning.  They had forgotten him and everything else.  They were
+sufficient to each other, and all cares for the time had vanished.
+Weston knew that the old, old tale was being repeated by the shore of
+that inland lake, and that two young hearts were responding to the
+sweet, luring charm of that divine influence, which banishes all grief
+and care, and transfigures life with the halo of romance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THROUGH THE STORM
+
+Next morning Reynolds started with Sconda for Big Draw.  As he mounted
+his horse in front of the cabin, Glen stood nearby, and he thought that
+he had never seen her look so pretty.  If any man had ever been tempted
+to express all that was in his mind he had been the previous evening as
+they stood by the shore of the lake.  He believed that Glen loved him,
+and he up-braided himself for not speaking and telling her of the deep
+feeling of his heart.  But he would return, and then he would not let
+such another opportunity pass.
+
+Glen stroked the horse's proudly-arching neck as he champed impatiently
+at his bit.
+
+"Take care of your master, Pedro," she ordered, "and bring him safely
+back to Glen West."
+
+"Then you wish me to return, eh?" Reynolds queried.
+
+"Why shouldn't you?" and the girl blushed.  "You have to arrange about
+that gold, you know."
+
+"So I have.  I am glad you reminded me."  They both laughed, and
+Reynolds looked longingly into Glen's eyes.  "You must promise, though,
+that the Indians will not drive me beyond the pass, and that your
+father will not subject me to the Ordeal."
+
+"I think I can answer for them," was the low reply.  "You are one of us
+now, and that makes a great difference.  But here comes daddy; he will
+scold me for delaying you."
+
+"I wish I did not have to go," Reynolds declared.  "I would much rather
+go with you to Glen West.  But I shall hurry back."
+
+"And be careful of yourself at Big Draw," the girl warned.  "Curly is
+there, and he hasn't any love for you."
+
+"Oh, I guess I shall be able to match that villain, so do not worry.
+Good-by; I must be off, for Sconda is getting impatient."
+
+Reynolds rode rapidly down the trail, turning once to wave his hand to
+Glen, who was watching him before the cabin door.  He was very happy,
+for he believed that he had won the heart of the purest, sweetest, and
+most beautiful girl in the whole world.  He sang snatches of songs as
+he rode along, and at times laughed aloud in boyish glee, much to
+Sconda's astonishment.  Life was bright and rosy to him on this fine
+summer morning, and the future looked most promising.  He could hardly
+believe that he was the same person who had entered the country but a
+few weeks before, and who had travelled over that same trail with
+Frontier Samson.  He was hoping to find the old prospector at Big Draw;
+who would be anxious to hear of his adventures.
+
+About an hour later Glen bade her father good-by.  She was all ready to
+start for home.
+
+"Don't stay here long, daddy," she pleaded.  "Come as soon as you can,
+for I shall be lonely without you."
+
+"And will you really miss me?" Weston asked.
+
+"Certainly I shall miss you.  Life is not worth living when you are not
+at home."
+
+"Not even when Reynolds is present?"
+
+Glen blushed furiously, and her father smiled, a sad smile, which Glen
+was quick to notice.  Throwing her arms impulsively about his neck, she
+kissed his bronzed cheek.
+
+"I love you dearly, daddy," she murmured.  "But because I love him does
+not lessen my love for you."
+
+"I know it, dear, I know it," and Weston's voice was husky as he held
+his daughter close.  "I am glad to know that you are happy, and I have
+every reason to believe that Reynolds is worthy of your love.  Your
+confidence means very much to me.  But, there, now, you had better be
+off.  Natsu will look well after you.  I was forced to send Sconda with
+Reynolds, as Natsu is not to be trusted at Big Draw.  There are some
+unscrupulous fellows at the mining camp who might fill him with bad
+whiskey, and when he is half drunk he is liable to talk too much."
+
+Glen enjoyed the ride over the long crooked trail, and her spirits,
+which had been somewhat depressed at the parting from her father and
+Reynolds, revived.  There was nothing which thrilled and stimulated her
+so much as riding on Midnight through the great wilderness.  Her lithe,
+supple body swayed in a rhythmical motion as the horse sped on his way.
+Riding was one of the few attractions which made the northland
+tolerable, and she wondered what she would do outside to replace it.
+
+"I shall take you with me, old boy," she confided, as she
+affectionately patted Midnight's neck.  "It would not do to leave you
+behind.  My, what a great time we shall have upon the level roads!"
+
+Then she fell to thinking about the joy of visiting different lands,
+and seeing strange sights.  But she always associated her travels with
+Reynolds.  She pictured him by her side as they went from place to
+place, eager and delighted at everything they beheld.  It was certainly
+a pleasant dreamland in which she was living on this beautiful morning.
+Not a shadow dimmed her vision.  All was rosy and fair, and like
+another speeding on his way to Big Draw, she was surrounded by the halo
+of romance.
+
+It was supper time when Glen at length reached home, where she at once
+handed Midnight over to Natsu, and entered the house.  Nannie was
+greatly surprised to see her back so soon, accompanied only by the
+Indian.  But a little later, as they sat down to supper, Glen related
+the tale of experiences in the hills, omitting only her adventure with
+Curly.
+
+"And just think, Nannie!" she enthusiastically exclaimed in conclusion,
+"daddy is seriously thinking about leaving the north and going outside.
+Isn't it great?"
+
+"Is he, indeed?" and the elderly woman looked her surprise.
+
+"Oh, yes.  When I spoke to him about it he said that he wished to think
+it over, and might let me know in a few days.  Oh, I hope that he will
+decide to go, don't you?"
+
+Nannie made no reply for a few minutes, but went on with her supper.
+
+"And what will become of me?" she at length asked.
+
+"Why, you must go with us, of course.  You will not mind going, will
+you?"
+
+"Not now," was the quiet reply.  "I have been quite happy here because
+I had you to think about and love.  But you will be leaving soon, I
+feel sure, and how could I endure this place without you?  You have
+little idea how much I missed you when you were away at school."
+
+"Why do you think I shall be leaving soon?" Glen asked.
+
+"I am not altogether blind, dear," and Nannie smiled.  "You know the
+story of the Sleeping Beauty.  Only the man who was bold enough could
+win her, and when he did venture into the enchanted place, a marvellous
+change ensued.  So it has happened here."
+
+"But I am not a sleeping beauty, Nannie," and Glen blushed, for she
+well understood the meaning of her companion's words.
+
+"A very active beauty, I should say," and the woman looked with
+admiration upon the fair face before her.  "But the principle is the
+same.  The Prince has come, he has won your heart, and a great change
+has been wrought in this place, which has affected even your father.
+Now, isn't that true?"
+
+Glen rose suddenly to her feet, and threw her arms lovingly about
+Nannie's neck.  There were tears in her eyes, but they were tears of
+joy.
+
+"You dear, dear old Nannie!" she cried.  "How in the world did you
+learn the secret of my heart?"
+
+"How could I help it?" was the laughing reply.  "Your face alone would
+have betrayed the secret, even if I had not guessed it.  And the Prince
+really loves you, Glen.  But, there, I suppose he has told you all
+this."
+
+"Indeed he has not.  He never said a word to me," was the emphatic
+denial.  "I don't believe he ever thought of doing so."
+
+Nannie merely smiled at the girl's charming candour and unaffected
+simplicity.  It pleased her to know that Glen was not ashamed of her
+love, and it was good to watch her bubbling over with the happiness of
+her new-found joy.
+
+Glen spent much of the next morning upon the water in her canoe.  She
+visited the places where she and Reynolds had gone that first day they
+had been together.  She lived over again that happy time, marred only
+by the shot from the Golden Crest.  She had almost forgotten it now,
+and her former anxiety had nearly vanished.  She had a slight feeling
+of fear as to what Curly might attempt to do to Reynolds at Big Draw,
+but when she thought of her lover's strength she smiled confidently to
+herself.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon she decided to go down to see Klota.
+Telling Nannie that she would not be long, she donned her hat, and had
+just stepped out upon the verandah when she saw Sconda riding furiously
+toward the house.  His horse was white with foam and panting heavily.
+For an instant Glen's heart almost stopped beating, as she was certain
+that the Indian bore some bad news.  He had gone with Reynolds, and
+what would bring him back so soon and in such a manner unless something
+was seriously wrong?  All this flashed through her mind as she hurried
+down the steps just as Sconda drew rein in front of the house.
+
+"What is the matter, Sconda?" she demanded.  "Tell me, quick."
+
+"White stranger in trouble," was the brief reply.
+
+"Where?" Glen asked, while her face turned pale.
+
+"At white man's camp.  Curly catch him.  Curly make big trouble."
+
+"Are you sure?  Did Mr. Reynolds send you here for help?"
+
+"White stranger did not send Sconda.  Titsla tell Sconda at foot of
+Crooked Trail."
+
+"Oh, I see," Glen mused.  "Titsla was at Big Draw with meat for the
+miners, and he found out that Curly was planning to harm Mr. Reynolds,
+eh?"
+
+"Ah, ah, Titsla come quick.  Titsla tell Sconda."
+
+"And you rode fast to tell me?"
+
+"Sconda come like the wind.  Look," and he motioned to his weary horse.
+
+Glen was thoroughly aroused now.  She was no longer the happy,
+free-from-care girl who had emerged from the house a few minutes
+before, but a woman stirred to a high pitch of anger, the same as when
+she faced Curly in front of the cabin by the lake.  Her father's spirit
+possessed her now, and when Glen Weston's eyes flashed as they did when
+she was aware of her lover's danger, those best acquainted with her
+knew that she was capable of almost any deed of heroism.  Of a gentle,
+loving disposition, and true as steel to those who were true to her,
+there was hidden within her something of the primitive life of the
+wild, which, when stirred resembled the rushing tempests of her
+familiar mountains.
+
+Turning to Sconda she gave a few terse orders, and when the Indian had
+received them, he wheeled his horse and headed him for the village.
+Glen at once hurried back into the house, went to her own room, and in
+a short time reappeared, clad in her riding-suit.  She met Nannie at
+the foot of the stairs, and briefly explained the object of her mission.
+
+"But surely you are not going to Big Draw!" the woman exclaimed in
+dismay.  "What will your father say?"
+
+"Yes, I am going," was the decided reply.  "What would daddy say if I
+shirked my duty?"
+
+"But you are not going alone!"
+
+"No.  I have given Sconda orders to get twenty of the best men in the
+village to accompany me.  We shall go by way of Crooked Trail, and
+should reach Big Draw by night.  God grant we may be in time!"
+
+"But it isn't safe, Glen," Nannie urged.  "I can trust you with the
+Indians, all right, but suppose something should happen to you down
+there?"
+
+"Don't you worry, dear," the girl soothed, as she gave the woman a
+parting kiss.  "I am quite capable of taking care of myself."
+
+"But where will you sleep to-night, or get anything to eat?"  The
+question showed Nannie's thoughtful, motherly concern.
+
+"Oh, I haven't thought about such things.  Anyway, I do not care
+whether I eat or sleep.  Most likely the Indians will take some food
+with them, and they will share with me.  There, now, I must be off.
+So, good-by, Nannie, dear, and do not worry about me."
+
+"You must take your riding-cloak, though," Nannie insisted.  "It may be
+cold to-night, and should it rain you will feel the good of it.  There,
+that's better," she added, as she placed the garment over the girl's
+shoulders.  "I am afraid that your father will blame me for letting you
+go."
+
+Glen smiled at the woman's fears as she again kissed her, and picking
+up her riding-gloves, she hurried out of the house and down to the
+village.  Here she found the twenty men awaiting her arrival, and
+Sconda holding Midnight.  She smiled as she saw them, and her heart
+warmed as never before to these faithful natives.  They were proud,
+too, of their young mistress, and were ready and willing to follow her
+anywhere, and to obey her slightest wish.  They were anxious, as well,
+for a tilt with the miners at Big Draw, for whom they had no great love.
+
+In a few minutes Glen, mounted upon Midnight, was leading her little
+band out of Glen West on their ride over Crooked Trail.  The entire
+population of the place was on hand to watch their departure, for word
+had speedily spread about the trouble at Big Draw.  Men, women and
+children were clustered about the store, who gazed with the keenest
+interest as the column of relief pulled out of the village.  Glen's
+eyes kindled with pride and animation as she turned and waved them a
+cheery good-by.  Then she touched Midnight lightly with her whip, at
+which the noble animal leaped forward, up the trail, through the woods,
+across the wild meadow, and into the pass.  The Indians found it
+difficult to keep pace with their young mistress, for Midnight was the
+fleetest horse that ever trod a northern trail.
+
+As they advanced, however, it was necessary to travel slower, for the
+way was steep and rough, and it was only with considerable care that
+the horses could pick their steps.  Glen became impatient at this
+delay, for the sun was swinging low beyond the far-off mountain peaks,
+and she realised that if night overtook them in the hills it would
+greatly retard their progress, and perhaps make them too late in
+reaching Big Draw.
+
+As they were moving slowly down Crooked Trail, the sky suddenly became
+overcast, and then black.  Great, threatening clouds were massed
+together far up in the hills, and the wind began to draw down the
+ravine.  It steadily increased in strength, and in a short time a gale
+was upon them.  Then followed the rain, which struck them just as they
+reached the valley.  It was one of those sudden mountain storms, the
+dread of the most hardened trails-man, and the utter consternation of
+the chechahco.  Fortunately the wind was in the backs of the
+travellers, and the trail was smoother now.  Never for a moment did
+Glen hesitate, and Midnight responded splendidly to the occasion,
+inspiring with courage the horses following.  The roar of the wind was
+terrific, and the trees bowed like reeds beneath its onslaught.  Never
+had Glen experienced such a storm on the trail, and most thankful was
+she for the riding-cloak which Nannie had placed upon her shoulders.
+Her hat had been torn from her head, and her hair was tossed in the
+wildest confusion about her face and half blinded her.  It was
+certainly a strange and weird sight as that slight girl led her
+determined band down that valley right through the heart of the storm.
+
+It was difficult now to see far ahead, and Glen had to trust entirely
+to Midnight.  Not once did the faithful animal stumble or exhibit the
+least sign of hesitation.  He seemed to realise that much was at stake,
+and that everything depended upon his efforts.  With ears pointed
+straight forward, and with head lowered, as if to guard his steps, he
+surged onward, every nerve keenly alert, and his entire body quivering
+with excitement.
+
+For about an hour the storm beat upon them in all its fury, and
+notwithstanding the riding-cloak, Glen became thoroughly soaked.  But
+she never once thought of herself, for her mind was ever upon Reynolds.
+Would they be in time to help him? she asked herself over and over
+again.  She wondered what was the nature of the plot Curly had
+concocted, and whether all the miners were involved.  Any danger to
+herself never once entered her mind, for she was so sure of the loyalty
+of her dusky followers.  To reach the man she loved was the one great
+object which upheld her as she rode through that howling tempest.
+
+At length they came to a place where the draw swerved sharply to the
+left.  Here the trail left the valley and circled up a small hill
+behind the mining camp.  The storm, following the draw as if it were a
+funnel, rushed roaring on its way, while the riders gaining the higher
+ground were somewhat beyond its reach, and, turning, saw it sweeping
+below like a torrent in full spate.
+
+With a great sigh of relief, Glen paused for a moment on the summit,
+viewed the magnificent sight, and waited for her followers as they
+struggled, one by one, from the grasp of the mighty monster of the
+mountains.  Then she spoke to Midnight and moved onward.
+
+It was quite dark now, and the opposite slope which they soon began to
+descend was wrapped in the shadows of the hills.  But Sconda knew every
+step of the way, and for the first time since leaving Glen West he took
+the lead and guided the band.  Not a word was spoken as they defiled
+down that steep, narrow trail, and to anyone watching, they would have
+appeared like spectres coming from the unseen world.
+
+Glen was nerved now to the highest pitch of excitement, for she felt
+that the critical moment, whatever it might be, was not far off.
+Anxiously and eagerly she peered forward, and just as they had almost
+reached the foot of the trail, a bright light suddenly pierced the
+darkness.  Instantly every rider drew rein, and the horses stopped
+almost as one.  All eyes were fixed, upon a blazing fire ahead, around
+which they could see a number of men moving.  Then Glen gave a slight
+cry of dismay, touched Midnight sharply with her whip, and bounded
+forward, straight for that burning pile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+IN THE TOILS
+
+Curly reached Big Draw only a couple of hours ahead of Reynolds and
+Sconda.  He had travelled fast, impelled by a burning rage, eager to
+impart to others as vile as himself the story he had concocted in his
+venomous mind.  He was seated in the roadhouse, surrounded by his
+favorite gang, as Reynolds and his guide rode into camp.  He reminded
+his hearers how the former had gone with Frontier Samson in quest of
+gold, and that the old prospector had mysteriously disappeared.  He
+informed them that he had met Reynolds at Glen West with Jim Weston's
+daughter, and that they had both sneered at him.
+
+"I was walking along the street," the liar continued, "when I saw the
+two standing together, an' very chummy.  When Reynolds saw me he tried
+to hurry away into an Indian's shack.  But I stopped him, an' asked him
+what he had done with Frontier Samson.  This made him mad, an' he told
+me it was none of my business, an' if I didn't leave Glen West at once
+he'd set the Indians upon me."
+
+"What did you do?" one of the listeners eagerly asked, as Curly paused
+and lighted a cigarette.
+
+"Oh, I just laughed an' told him that I didn't care a rip for him or
+the Indians, an' that I would leave when I got ready.  Then he an' the
+girl made fun of me, told me I was a queer looking guy, an' if I was
+anxious about the old prospector I had better go an' hunt for him
+myself.  I left them at that, an' strolled about the place for a while.
+But that night didn't the Indians come upon me.  They took me down into
+the woods, tied me to a tree, an' were all ready to burn me alive.
+Say, it was hell fer a while, an' I thought sure I was a goner.  But
+just as a big devil stooped to light the dry wood at my feet, Jim
+Weston arrived, beat them off, an' set me free.  An' all the time I was
+tied to that tree, didn't Reynolds stand by an' make fun of me.  He
+said he would shut my mouth once an' for all about Frontier Samson.
+When I told him I was certain he had killed the old man, he flew into a
+rage an' cursed like a pirate.  That's what he did, the cuss.  Hand me
+over a drink, Tom; I'm thirsty."
+
+While Curly and his gang were talking and drinking, across the street
+Reynolds was recording three double claims, for Jim Weston, Glen
+Weston, and himself, as discoverers.  He produced a specimen of the
+gold which he carried in his pocket, and explained the exact position
+where the claims were situated.  This work completed, he went at once
+to the roadhouse, and asked for his mail.  He saw Curly and his
+companions, but paid no heed to them.  He was more interested in the
+letters awaiting him, for there were two, and from his friend the
+editor, at that.
+
+"You've been a long time away," Shorty remarked, as he looked curiously
+at the young man.
+
+"Yes, I suppose I have," was the absent-minded reply, for Reynolds was
+looking at his letters.
+
+"Strike anything?"
+
+"I believe so.  But, say, is Frontier Samson here?  Have you seen him
+lately?"
+
+"W-why, no," Shorty stammered.  He had overheard Curly's remarks, so
+this unexpected question somewhat embarrassed him.  "He went with you,
+didn't he?"
+
+"He certainly did, but I got lost out in the hills, and haven't seen
+the old man since.  I hope nothing has happened to him."
+
+Not a word of this escaped the men at the table, and when Reynolds had
+left the building they stared at one another for a few seconds.
+
+"Did ye hear what he said about the gold?" Curly eagerly asked.  "I
+believe he's struck it rich, an' most likely he has put Samson out of
+the way."
+
+"But he asked about him, though," one of the men replied.
+
+"Oh, that was just a ruse, an' nothing more.  He wanted to find out if
+we suspect anything.  I say, Shorty, bring us something," he ordered.
+"This is my treat."
+
+When the liquor had been brought, the men drank and talked in low
+voices.  What they said Shorty could not hear, although he strained his
+ears in an effort to catch the drift of the conversation.  After a
+while other men entered the room, and these were soon acquainted with
+Reynolds' return, the gold he had discovered, and the mysterious
+disappearance of Frontier Samson.  A few agreed with Curly that it was
+strange that the old prospector had not been seen for some time, and
+that his partner had returned alone.  Where was the discovery made?
+they wanted to know.
+
+"Near the Tasan," a man replied.  "I've just been to the Recording
+Office, and found that three double claims have been entered there in
+the names of Jim Weston, Glen Weston, and Thomas Reynolds.  But I don't
+put any stock in that.  Why, I've cruised all over that region, and so
+have others.  There's not enough gold there to fill the eye-tooth of a
+mouse.  I've been on too many fool stampedes of late, and I'm sick of
+them.  What does that chechahco know about gold?"
+
+"But Jim Weston is in with him," Curly reminded.  "What d'ye make of
+that?"
+
+"H'm, Jim Weston knows more about robbing Indians than he does about
+mining.  He wouldn't know the real stuff from 'fool's gold.'  No doubt
+that's what they've found."
+
+The talk now became general and continued for some time.  Several
+thought it worth while to go and see what the new discovery was like,
+but others scoffed at the idea.  They also discussed the disappearance
+of Frontier Samson, and even hinted that perhaps his partner knew more
+than he was willing to tell.  Curly suggested that he should be brought
+before them and questioned.  This met with considerable favor, although
+no one seemed inclined to take upon himself such a responsibility.  It
+was late when the men at length left the store, and took themselves off
+to their various cabins.  Curly and his band went together, and for the
+rest of the night they communed and plotted in a lonely shack some
+distance up the creek.
+
+With no idea that he was the centre of such interest, Reynolds slept
+soundly in his own little tent, for he was tired after his experiences
+in the hills.  It was late when he awoke in the morning, and after he
+had eaten his frugal breakfast, he went over to the roadhouse for a
+supply of tobacco.  Shorty was the only one present, for most of the
+miners were busy up the creek.  Curly and his companions were still
+asleep after their night's vigil, and evidently would not show
+themselves for several hours.  Shorty tried to learn from Reynolds
+something about the gold he had discovered, and also asked about
+Frontier Samson.  But so little information did he gain, that he was
+much annoyed and became suspicious as well.
+
+Reynolds went back to his tent, filled and lighted his pipe, and
+brought forth the two letters he had received, and read them again.
+They interested him, for they contained scraps of news of the outside
+world.  But they were mostly filled with the editor's expressions of
+regret that Reynolds was wasting his time in the north, when he might
+be off on the great quest which was so near his heart.
+
+
+"I hope you will return soon," he wrote, "and begin the search for
+Henry Redmond.  Only yesterday I received what I consider a clue as to
+his whereabouts.  I met a man who has been overseas, and telling him
+about Redmond, he informed me that he believed he knew where he was.
+He said that while in Switzerland he came across an old man and his
+daughter.  The girl was about eighteen or nineteen years of age, and
+that corresponds with the age of the child Redmond took with him, for
+she was only three or four at the time of his disappearance.  He said
+that the man had plenty of money, lived in a house beautifully
+furnished, and possessed a good library.  But he was most reticent
+about himself, although he acknowledged that he was acquainted with
+Canada, and had lived here for some time.  So you see, I have reason
+for believing that the man is Henry Redmond, and that you should go at
+once and hunt him out.  Even after you meet him, your task will still
+bristle with difficulties, for he is evidently hard to approach."
+
+
+Reynolds smiled as he read these words.  He knew how anxious the editor
+was for him to return that he might start at once upon the search.  But
+he had no idea of going to Switzerland, or anywhere else for that
+matter, while the northland held such attractions.  He decided to write
+and tell his old friend to be patient a while longer, and then perhaps
+he would receive the greatest surprise of his life.  He tried to
+picture the look upon the editor's face should he unexpectedly walk
+into his office with Glen by his side.  He believed that he would be
+greatly pleased, for could any man in his right mind resist the girl's
+charms?  He knew that Harmon would be somewhat annoyed, for a woman
+would ruin his hope of ever finding the missing Henry Redmond.
+
+Reynolds spent part of the afternoon writing a long letter to the
+editor.  He had much to tell him about the country, his experiences in
+the wilderness, and the mysterious ruler of Glen West.  But of Glen he
+said little, nothing, in fact, that would in any way arouse Harmon's
+suspicion of the writer's deep interest in the girl.
+
+When the letter was finished he took it over to the roadhouse to mail,
+and then spent the rest of the afternoon upon the creek in an effort to
+learn, if possible, something about Frontier Samson.  But although he
+questioned all the miners he saw, not one could enlighten him in the
+least degree.  He thought that several looked at him curiously when he
+asked about the old prospector, and he wondered what they meant.
+
+He spent some time far up the creek, and ate the lunch he had brought
+with him in a quiet place near the stream which flowed down the valley,
+and provided the necessary water for the sluice-boxes where the
+precious gold was washed out.  He enjoyed the seclusion, as it gave him
+an opportunity to think over what the editor had written, and also
+about Glen.  He intended to leave early the next morning for Glen West
+by way of Crooked Trail, and he knew that Glen would be waiting and
+eager to greet him.  Her face stood out clear and distinct in his mind,
+and he recalled the words she had spoken, and her charming manner.  His
+heart beat fast as he thought of her, and he believed that she loved
+him.  He chided himself for not pouring out his heart to her that
+evening as they stood by the side of the inland lake.  The expression
+in her eyes and the tone of her voice were those of a woman whose heart
+must be filled with love, so he reasoned.  Yes, he would speak to her
+just as soon as he reached Glen West.  The way would be short, for she
+was his guiding star, and he would speed swiftly to the one he loved.
+
+It was dusk when he at length rose to his feet and started down the
+creek.  He did not hurry as he had the whole evening before him, and
+there was no one awaiting his coming.  But there would be someone
+tomorrow, and his heart thrilled, and his eyes shone with animation as
+he thought of the girl beyond the Golden Crest.
+
+Part way down Big Draw valley, and on the left side, was a sharp break
+in the bank, where a small creek met the larger one.  This in ages past
+had evidently been a river, whose bed was now dry.  It was up this
+creek that the trail led out into the hills, the one that Reynolds had
+always taken when he went forth on his hunting expeditions.  The
+entrance to this draw was now wrapped in semi-darkness, for the high
+tree-clad banks shouldered toward each other, thus shutting out the dim
+light of departing day.
+
+Reynolds reached this place, and with a glance up the trail which he
+would take in the morning, he had almost reached the opposite side,
+when, without a word of warning, a light was flashed into his eyes, and
+in an instant he was swept from his feet, hurled to the ground, and his
+arms securely bound.  He had no chance to defend himself, for
+everything happened so quickly.  There seemed to be quite a crowd of
+men holding him fast, some sitting upon his body, while others held his
+hands and feet.  Although He strained and struggled desperately to free
+himself, his efforts were of no avail, and he soon realised that he
+might as well reserve his strength for whatever lay ahead.
+
+"Now get on yer feet, an' be d---- quick about it, too."  It was
+Curly's voice, and Reynolds knew that the villain was at the bottom of
+this affair.
+
+He made no reply, however, but at once struggled to a standing position
+and looked around.  There appeared to be more than a dozen men, and by
+the dim light he recognized several.  They had been drinking, he could
+easily tell, and were in a quarrelsome mood, and wrangled with one
+another as to what they should do with their captive.  One was for
+stringing him up to a tree; another was for shooting him; while a third
+suggested that they should pitch him head first down one of the
+mining-shafts.  But Curly would not listen to these propositions, and
+gave orders that the prisoner should be taken up the creek in the
+direction of Crooked Trail.
+
+"It's safer there," he told them, "an' we don't want our fun spoiled by
+the Police."
+
+"There's none in camp to-night," one explained.  "They're all off on
+the trail."
+
+"An' lucky fer us," Curly replied.  "Anyway, let's hustle an' get out
+of this."
+
+Reynolds was immediately seized and hurried up the creek.  He tried to
+think and plan some way of escape.  He realised that the situation was
+serious, for with Curly, devilish and full of revenge, and at the head
+of a band of half-drunken men as reckless as himself, there was no
+knowing what he might do.  But he was determined to be game, and await
+further developments as calmly as possible.
+
+As they moved forward he partly learned from the men's conversation why
+they had waylaid him.  He found out that Curly had been filling his
+companions' minds with gross lies, and now inflamed with impure whiskey
+they were willing tools in the hands of their revengeful leader.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+HELP FROM THE HILLS
+
+After they had stumbled on for about fifteen minutes Curly called a
+halt, and ordered the men to build a fire.
+
+"This is as good a place as any," he told them.  "No one will bother us
+here to-night, an' that's all we care."
+
+Cursing and grumbling in a maudlin manner, several of the men gathered
+a number of sticks, and soon a fire was started.  As the flames shot up
+Reynolds could see plainly the faces of his captors, and as he watched
+them his prospects did not seem very bright.  They were men as reckless
+as Curly himself, and being half drunk they had lost all sense of
+responsibility.  They did exactly what their leader commanded,
+notwithstanding their incessant complaints.  This was exactly what
+Curly wanted.  He had supplied them with liquor, but had taken little
+himself.
+
+When the fire had been lighted, Reynolds was securely tied to a tree
+standing near.  The rope which bound him was drawn tight and caused him
+considerable pain, although he exhibited no outward sign.  But his
+heart was hot within him, especially when he looked upon Curly's
+sneering and jubilant face.  If he could only be free for a few minutes
+he would attack the entire bunch, and revel in the fight.  But to be
+bound and helpless was most galling.
+
+"How d'ye like it?" Curly asked, coming up close to Reynolds.  "Having
+a good time, eh?  This is our picnic to-night."
+
+"So I see," and the captive's lips curled in a sarcastic smile.  "But
+just let me free for about five minutes, and then you'll see whose
+picnic it is."
+
+"Not on yer life.  We've got ye sure now, an' intend to keep ye that
+way until we're through with ye.  What would yer little girlie say if
+she could see ye now?"
+
+"To whom do you refer?"
+
+"Oh, I guess you know, all right," and Curly grinned.  "She's pretty,
+isn't she?  But she has no use for me.  She prefers a white-livered
+sucker like you."
+
+"Who was the big white-livered sucker during the war?" Reynolds
+retorted.  "I didn't hide away in the hills like you did, Curly.  You
+are a coward, and you know it."
+
+"Who killed his pardner, though?" Curly snarled, for the prisoner's
+words stung him to the quick.
+
+"What do you mean?" Reynolds asked in surprise.
+
+"Where is Frontier Samson?  What happened to the old man?"
+
+Reynolds' eyes grew big with amazement as the meaning of Curly's words
+dawned upon his mind.  So these men believed that he had killed the
+prospector!  His face turned pale at the thought.  What could he say in
+self-defense?  Curly noted his embarrassment as well as the change of
+countenance, and he was greatly elated.
+
+"Ye can't deny it," he charged.  "Look, boys," he shouted.  "See the
+white streak about his gills."
+
+"Where ish Samson?" a blear-eyed man demanded, thrusting his
+whiskey-reeking mouth up close to Reynolds' face.  "Where ish my old
+friend?"
+
+Reynolds made no reply, although it was with difficulty that he
+restrained himself.  To try to explain to such men would be useless, he
+was well aware.  Others now surrounded him, who asked, not only about
+Samson, but about Jim Weston's daughter.  They made the night hideous
+with their oaths and vile questions, until they seemed to Reynolds more
+like imps of the infernal regions let loose than human beings.  He saw
+that they were becoming more and more reckless as they talked, shouted,
+and quarrelled with one another, and he expected at any minute to see
+them turn upon him and inflict some bodily injury, and, perhaps, tear
+him to pieces.
+
+All this pleased Curly immensely, as he stood a little aside and
+watched his followers.  His eyes seldom left the captive's face, but he
+looked in vain for any show of weakness on Reynolds' part.  This was
+not altogether to his liking.  He wished to see his victim show signs
+of fear, to cry aloud and plead for mercy.  He had done so himself, and
+he longed to find it in Reynolds that he might taunt him with weakness
+and cowardice.
+
+When he had waited in vain for fully half an hour, he ordered the men
+to pile dry wood about the prisoner's feet.  They readily obeyed, and
+all took part, anticipating some rare sport.
+
+"We'll take that sneer off yer face," Curly remarked, as he stepped up
+close to Reynolds.  "We'll make ye yell."
+
+"The same as you did at Glen West, I suppose?" Reynolds retorted.
+"Your lungs must have been sore after such yelps.  Who showed the white
+liver then?"
+
+Curly spat contemptuously at the captive, and motioned the men to bring
+a burning stick from the fire.  Several at once hastened to obey,
+tumbling over one another in their eagerness.  One, more active than
+the rest, extricated himself, seized a flaming torch, and rushed toward
+the prisoner.  He had almost reached him, and Reynolds felt that the
+moment of doom had arrived.  But just at this critical instant a
+peculiar noise fell upon his ears, and he listened intently.  Then his
+heart bounded with hope, for it was the sound of galloping horses.  His
+captors heard it, too, and the man carrying the torch hesitated and
+then stopped.  It was an ominous sound to them, and their hearts smote
+them with a great fear.  But they had little time for thought, for at
+once nine hundred pounds of quivering horse flesh, bone, and sinewy
+muscle leaped out of the darkness into their midst, and reared wildly
+when suddenly checked by a pair of strong, tense arms.  With head
+tossed high, and champing madly at his bits, Midnight reeled back
+almost upon his haunches in such a manner that an inexperienced rider
+would have been unhorsed in an instant.  But Glen was not in the least
+perturbed by the rearing steed, and maintained her seat with an easy
+composure.  In truth, she never thought about herself, but only of him
+whose life was in danger.
+
+"Cowards!" she cried.  "Unloose that man!" and she pointed to Reynolds.
+
+But no one moved to obey her imperious command.  The men stared as if
+she were an apparition, so sudden and unexpected was her arrival.  And
+in fact, she did seem like a leader of the legendary Valkyries, with
+her flashing eyes and wind-swept hair, mounted upon that prancing horse
+as black as night itself.  It was little wonder that the men trembled
+as they watched her, while several crossed themselves as if to ward off
+some malign influence.
+
+Curly, who had staggered back aghast at this sudden intrusion, was the
+first to recover.  He glanced apprehensively around, as if meditating
+flight.  But Glen's keen eyes detected his design, and she sternly
+ordered him to remain where he was.  Then she turned and spoke a few
+words to her followers in the Indian tongue.  At once a rapid movement
+took place, as the natives formed themselves in a circle around the
+white men and thus barred every avenue of escape.  This brought the
+miners somewhat to their senses, and seeing that their unwelcome
+visitors were not ghosts, their hands slipped to their hip-pockets.
+But a mighty roar from Sconda paralyzed their hands, causing them to
+drop by their sides as the baffled men stared sullenly upon almost a
+score of rifles pointing straight at their hearts.
+
+It seemed to Reynolds as if he must be beholding a vision, so wonderful
+did it all appear.  He gazed upon Glen with intense admiration.  He
+could hardly believe it possible that such a sweet, confiding girl
+could be so changed into an imperious leader in such a short time.
+Could she be the same who had bade him such a tender farewell by the
+shore of the lake in the hills?  She looked more beautiful than ever
+now, but it was the beauty of wild abandon in the glory of a noble
+cause, which for the time had transformed this tender maiden into a
+woman of unselfish daring.  She held him spellbound as she sat so
+superbly upon her now quiet horse.  Forgotten were his bonds as he
+watched her, and his one thought was of her.  How had she heard of his
+trouble? and how had she managed to arrive just at the critical moment?
+He longed to hear the story from her own lips.  A passionate desire
+swept upon him to enfold her in his arms, to tell her how proud he was
+of what she had done, and to press his lips to hers.  And she was the
+girl who had been so grossly insulted by his villainous captors!  The
+thought stung him, and he turned sharply toward the cringing Curly.
+The brute was standing there, sullen and defiant.  Reynolds knew that
+he would soon be free, and then he would deal with the cur.  He heard
+Glen speak and saw Sconda dismount and disarm the miners.  Last of all
+he came to Curly, and when the Indian reached for his revolver, the
+serpent spat at him and cursed wildly.  With a marvelous restraint,
+Sconda merely took the weapon from the enraged man's pocket, and then
+walking over to Reynolds, swiftly cut the cords which bound him to the
+tree and freed his hands.
+
+Finding himself unbound, Reynolds cast one glance toward Glen, and saw
+her looking at him with a peculiar expression in her eyes.  He seemed
+to read there a challenge, which could have but one meaning.  He turned
+to Curly, and beholding that sneer of contempt still upon his face, he
+sprang forward and confronted the villain.
+
+"I am free now," he cried, "and am able to answer your insult to the
+purest woman upon earth.  It is man to man, and we shall settle it
+right here."
+
+But Curly was in no mood for a fight; that was not his nature.  He was
+a coward at heart, though the failure of his plot made him so angry
+that he was daringly reckless.  With a curse he started to turn away,
+but Reynolds caught him by the shoulders and swung him roughly around.
+
+"No, you don't get off so easily," he told him.  "One of us must get a
+drubbing here to-night, and if you can give it to me, come on."
+
+"Take that, then," and Curly drew off and hit him a savage blow on the
+face.
+
+It was all that Reynolds needed, and springing forward, he felled his
+antagonist to the ground with a single blow.  And there Curly lay, and
+made no attempt to rise.  He had enough, and he knew in his heart that
+he was no match for the man standing over him.
+
+"Get up," Reynolds ordered.  "I'm not through with you yet."
+
+But Curly did not move.  He lay there as if dead.  Reynolds did not
+know what to do, for he was unwilling to inflict further punishment
+upon the creature while he was down.
+
+"Curly."  It was Glen's voice, and it had an ominous note.  "Get up at
+once, and explain the meaning of this night's affair.  Why this insult
+to Mr. Reynolds?"
+
+To this command, however, Curly paid no heed, but remained as he had
+fallen.  Glen's eyes flashed with a dangerous light as she tapped
+impatiently with her riding-whip upon the pommel of her saddle.
+
+"Get up," she again ordered, "or I shall hand you over to the Indians.
+They will not be so considerate of you as we are."
+
+As Curly still made no effort to rise, Glen uttered just two Indian
+words to Sconda.  The latter immediately turned and roared a command to
+his followers.  At once half a dozen natives sprang eagerly forward,
+but before they could lay hands upon him Curly was on his feet,
+trembling violently.  He leaped aside from the natives, his face
+ghastly pale.
+
+"Keep them off!" he yelled.  "Don't let the devils touch me!"
+
+"I thought that would bring you somewhat to your senses," and a smile
+of contempt hovered about the corners of Glen's mouth as she spoke.
+"But I mean what I say, you can be assured of that.  Tell me, now, what
+is the meaning of all this?  Why did you bring Mr. Reynolds here, and
+what were you going to do to him?"
+
+"He murdered his pardner," was the low reply.
+
+Glen gave a violent start at this accusation, and looked keenly at
+Curly.  Her hands trembled, and it seemed to her as if her heart had
+stopped beating.
+
+"Who was his partner?" she at length found voice to ask.
+
+"Frontier Samson, of course.  He was a friend of ours, and we were
+about to avenge his death, when you interfered."
+
+"But how did you learn that Frontier Samson is dead?" Glen inquired.
+
+"Because no one has seen him since he left camp with this guy," and he
+motioned to Reynolds who was standing nearby.  "Samson hasn't shown up
+at Big Draw, an' his pardner doesn't care to explain what happened to
+him."
+
+For a few seconds there was a dead silence, save for the crackling of
+the fire, and the restless movements of the horses.  Then from out of
+the darkness came a roar of laughter, and while all turned and stared
+in astonishment, Frontier Samson himself bounded into their midst and
+confronted Curly.
+
+"Do I look like a dead man?" he demanded.  "D'ye think I've been
+murdered by me pardner?"
+
+Curly's only reply was a fearful stare as if he had seen a ghost.  He
+tried to speak, but words would not come.
+
+"Frightened, are ye?" and the prospector took a step closer to the
+unhappy villain.  "But ye'll be more frightened before I git through
+with ye, let me tell ye that.  What's the meanin' of sich actions?  Out
+with it."
+
+"I t-thought y-you were dead," Curly stammered.
+
+"An' so ye was takin' the matter of justice into yer own dirty hands,
+eh?"
+
+"Somebody had to do it."
+
+"H'm," Samson grunted as he glanced around upon the miners.  "Queer
+justice, I call it.  Why didn't ye let the Police look after the
+affair, if ye thought me pardner had murdered me?  No, ye can't answer
+that," he continued, for Curly made no defence.  "It's yer own bad
+heart, that's what made ye do it.  Yer jealous; that's what's wrong.
+An' as fer justice, you'll git plenty of it soon, an' more'n ye'll care
+fer.  An' you talk about a man murderin' his pardner, an' givin' him
+justice!  Who murdered Bill Ducett, at Black Ravine, tell me that?"
+
+Curly's eyes, which were big with fear, now fairly burst from their
+sockets as the old prospector laid this startling charge.  His knees
+trembled, and it seemed as if he must fall to the ground, so great was
+his terror.
+
+"H-how d'ye know about Bill?" he gasped.
+
+"Never mind how I know," Samson replied.  Then he turned toward Glen.
+"Excuse me, Miss," and he lifted his old weather-beaten hat, "I'm real
+sorry that you have to witness sich a scene as this.  But it can't be
+helped, fer thar stands the worst criminal that ever came into this
+region.  An' to think of him talkin' about murder an' justice, when he
+himself murdered his own pardner!"
+
+"It's a lie!" Curly denied with an oath.  "What d'ye mean by making
+such a charge?"
+
+"It's no lie, Curly," and the prospector looked sternly into the cur's
+bloodshot eyes.  "I've got all the proof that's necessary to stretch
+yer neck.  But it'll keep until the right ones git hold of ye.  In the
+meantime, we might as well go down to Shorty's an' git something to
+eat.  I'm as hungry as a two-year-old bear.  We'll take these fellers
+along," and he motioned to the miners.  "Jist let yer Injuns look after
+'em, Miss.  An' ye'd better see that Curly is tied tight so's he can't
+git away.  We don't want to run any risk with him."
+
+It took but a few minutes to carry out this latter suggestion, and then
+all headed for the mining creek.  The miners were marshalled by the
+Indians, with Samson walking watchfully by Curly's side, while Reynolds
+kept close to Glen.  No one spoke, and it was a strange procession
+which wound its way down the creek, and at length halted in front of
+the roadhouse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE OLD TRUE STORY
+
+There was great indignation at Shorty's when the miners heard of the
+villainous attempt upon Reynolds' life.  At first they would hardly
+believe it, but as they listened to Frontier Samson, whose words were
+confirmed by Glen, and Reynolds, they knew that it must be true.  Then
+when they learned that Curly was guilty of the murder of his partner,
+Bill Ducett, they became thoroughly aroused.
+
+These miners were the finest men at Big Draw.  They worked hard and
+minded their own business.  They were not given to much talk, due, no
+doubt, to long years in the wilderness.  Neither were they carried away
+by any sudden impulse on the spur of the moment.  They never had
+anything in common with Curly and his gang, although they had often
+listened to their vapid boastings.  So now when they learned of the
+despicable affair up the narrow creek, they did not take matters into
+their own hands, and visit upon the miscreants swift and dire
+punishment.  They decided, after a brief consultation with Frontier
+Samson, to keep close guard upon Curly and hand him over to the Mounted
+Police, who were expected back the next day.  His companions would be
+allowed their freedom until needed.
+
+"Such actions must be stopped," one big weather-beaten veteran of many
+trails declared.  "Curly and his bunch, as well as all others of such
+breed, must learn first as last that the Police are here to give
+British justice, and a fair trial to every man, no matter who he is.
+It's not for any of us to deal with such brutes as Curly and his gang."
+
+"I agree with you, Tom," another replied.  "But it's a pity we didn't
+hear sooner about what was taking place up the draw.  We'd a been there
+in no time.  I can't understand how that Indian Titsla learned the
+news.  He was here yesterday selling meat, but he never mentioned a
+word to us."
+
+"I imagine he thought the hull bunch of yez was in the plot," Samson
+replied, "an' so he hit the trail fer Glen West as fast as he could.
+That's the way with them Injuns."  Then he turned suddenly and walked
+over to Shorty.  "Say, old man," he began, "rustle up some grub fer
+them Injuns outside, will ye?  I'd like to give 'em a good feed before
+they leave.  An' hand out something to the rest of us while yer at it.
+I'm most starved, an' I guess the rest are, too.  I'll foot the bill."
+
+In less than an hour Shorty had the Indians fed, and when Samson had
+provided each with a large plug of tobacco, they all left in the best
+of spirits for Glen West.
+
+Reynolds' entire solicitude was for Glen.  He thought not of himself,
+and paid little heed to the miners as they discussed Curly and his
+companions.  His only concern was for her who was sitting in the one
+arm-chair the room contained with such a weary look in her eyes.  The
+stern expression had vanished from her face, and she was the real Glen
+again.  She did not care to talk, although she listened intently to
+everything that was said.  But after the miners had left, and she sat
+down to the supper Shorty had prepared, she became more animated.
+
+"Oh, I am so glad that we are alone at last!" and she breathed a deep
+sigh of relief.  "It seems as if I have had a fearful dream."
+
+"You'll be all right, Miss, as soon as ye git a good night's sleep,"
+Samson replied.  "Yer a bit used up at present."
+
+"I suppose so.  But where shall I sleep?"
+
+"Here, of course.  Shorty's goin' to give ye his best room, an' not a
+soul will disturb ye until mornin'.  Then ye must be up bright an'
+early.  Yer dad wants ye at his cabin."
+
+"Is anything wrong?" Glen anxiously asked.
+
+"Nuthin', Miss.  But yer dad wants ye as soon as ye kin git thar."
+
+"How does he know I'm here?" and Glen looked her surprise.
+
+"How does he know?" Samson slowly repeated.  "Wall, that's fer you to
+find out.  I jist come from thar to-day, so I know that he wants ye.
+What's the use of askin' how Jim Weston finds things out?  Why, he
+seems to know what a man miles off is thinkin' about.  Ye'd almost
+imagine that he has a wireless outfit fixed up in his head."
+
+Glen and Reynolds laughed, and even the old man smiled.  He seemed to
+like to see them both happy, and when supper was over he told several
+humorous stories in his quaint, droll fashion.  For a time Glen forgot
+her exciting experiences of the afternoon, and Samson did not once
+allude to them.  At length he arose and laid his hand upon Reynolds'
+shoulder.
+
+"Come, young man, it's time fer us to be goin' if the lassie is to git
+any sleep," he reminded.  "I know you'd like to sit here all night an'
+watch.  But she'll be as safe as in her own little nest at home.  We'll
+be around early in the mornin', remember, Miss."
+
+Glen held out her hand as she bade each good night.  Reynolds held her
+hand for a few seconds and looked lovingly into her tired eyes.  How he
+longed to put his arms around her to comfort her and tell her how brave
+and noble she was.  But no, he would not do that now, as she might
+resent it.  Instead, he merely bent his head, and lifting her hand
+touched it lightly with his lips, and hurried out of the building.
+Alone in the little room that night, ere she laid herself down upon the
+rough cot, Glen pressed her hand to her lips and kissed the spot where
+her lover's lips had rested.  Tired though she was, a sweet peace stole
+into her heart.  Forgotten was Curly, and she thought only of him she
+had rescued, and of whose love she felt assured.
+
+Frontier Samson made no allusion to Reynolds' presence at Big Draw.  He
+never even asked what had befallen him when he was lost out in the
+hills.  This did not seem strange to Reynolds for a while, as his mind
+was much filled with the stirring events of the night.  But when lying
+wrapped up in his blankets in his tent he thought it all over, and the
+silence of the prospector did seem strange.  Then he remembered that
+Samson had been at the cabin in the hills, and no doubt Weston had told
+him the whole story.
+
+No reference was made to the matter the next day until they were well
+advanced on the trail.  Glen was like her former self once more after
+her refreshing sleep, and the color had again returned to her cheeks,
+She was full of spirit and animation, and laughed gaily at Samson's
+quaint remarks as he rode by her side wherever the trail permitted.
+
+Reynolds, too, was happy, and Glen's buoyant cheerfulness affected him
+like magic.  To listen to her voice and merry laughter made him
+perfectly contented.  Life was very pleasant to him this morning, with
+the dark clouds all rolled away.
+
+Suddenly a moose appeared on the trail ahead, which gazed for an
+instant upon the riders, and then bounded off into the woods.
+
+"Like to chase it, eh?" Samson queried, as he looked quizzically at
+Reynolds.
+
+"Not this time," was the laughing reply.  "I have learned a lesson."
+
+"In the school of experience, I guess.  It's the only school in which
+some people'll ever learn anything."
+
+"Chiefly babies and fools, so I've heard," Reynolds replied.  "I was
+certainly a fool, all right, for not obeying orders and leaving a moose
+alone unless one is in need of meat.  But, then, things turned out all
+right after all.  If I had not got lost, I would not have reached Glen
+West as I did."
+
+"An' not have found the gold, either."
+
+"Why, did you hear about the discovery?" Reynolds eagerly asked.
+
+"Sure.  I heard all about it, an' how ye staked a claim fer yer old
+pardner, Frontier Samson.  It was sartinly kind of ye to think of me."
+
+"But I didn't stake any claim for you," Reynolds confessed, while his
+face crimsoned.
+
+"Ye didn't, eh?  An' we was pardners, too!  Wall, that's queer."
+
+"Oh, I am sorry," the young man acknowledged.  "But I staked two
+claims, so you shall have one of them.  How will that do?"
+
+"No, thank ye.  I've got enough to do me, I guess, to the end of me
+tether.  An', besides, mebbe you'll need a hull gold mine to keep
+a-goin' by the looks of things.  Women need a lot these days."  His
+eyes twinkled as he turned them upon Glen's face, and noted that she
+was blushing, for she understood the meaning of his words.  "But, then,
+it'll all depend upon the woman," he continued, "Now, some wouldn't be
+satisfied with a dozen gold mines, while others would be perfectly
+contented with a little log shack, so long as the place was built of
+love.  I guess that'd be the way with you, Miss, from what I've seen of
+ye.  But, hello! who's this?  Why, it's the rascal Dan, I do believe!
+He seems to be in a hurry."
+
+And Dan certainly was in a hurry.  He was not at all inclined to talk,
+but anxious to get along as fast as possible.
+
+"What's yer rush?" Samson asked.
+
+"I want to get to Big Draw before night," was the curt reply.
+
+"Where's daddy?" Glen questioned.
+
+"Blamed if I know.  He cleared out shortly after you did, and left me
+to die out there.  I haven't seen him since."
+
+Dan's arm was in a sling, and the haggard expression upon his face
+showed that he had suffered a great deal both mentally and bodily.  The
+three watched him as he hurried on his way, until a bend in the trail
+hid him from view.
+
+"An' to think of that critter bein' free!" Samson exclaimed.  "Why, he
+should be linked up with Curly, an' git the same dose.  Thar's
+something comin' to him, an' he'll git it in time, mark my word."
+
+"What do you suppose has become of daddy?" Glen enquired, as they
+resumed their journey.  "Did you hear what Dan said?"
+
+"Oh, yer dad's all right, Miss," Samson assured her.  "He knows how to
+take care of himself.  Mebbe he's off to that mine.  He's sartinly much
+interested in it."
+
+"But where did you see Mr. Weston?" Reynolds unexpectedly asked.
+
+"Whar did I see him?" and Samson ran the fingers of his right hand
+through his hair in an abstracted manner.  "Wall, let me see.  It was
+somewhar out in the hills.  I've been in so many places that it's hard
+fer me to tell one from t'other.  I do git terribly mixed up these
+days."
+
+No further reference was made to the matter during the rest of the day,
+although Reynolds was not at all satisfied with the prospector's lame
+explanation.  He wondered why the old man should have such a sudden
+lapse of memory as to what had so recently happened.  There was some
+reason for it, he felt quite sure.
+
+It was evening when they at length reached the little cabin in the
+wilderness.  Sconda had ridden on ahead, and had an appetizing supper
+ready by the time the others arrived.
+
+"I wonder where daddy can be," Glen remarked as they sat down to the
+table.  "I was hoping that he might be here to receive us."
+
+"Oh, he's all right, an' will be back soon," Samson replied.  "He'll be
+here this evenin' fer sure."
+
+The sun had just disappeared beyond the far off mountain peaks as Glen
+and Reynolds walked down to the shore of the lake.  Not a ripple
+disturbed the water, and the sombre trees along the shore were mirrored
+in the clear depths.  It was a scene of restful peace and quietness.
+
+"Isn't it beautiful here to-night!" Glen exclaimed, while she gave a
+sigh of contentment.  "I have no fear now of any danger lurking within
+those dark shadows, such as I had the last time we were here."
+
+"And were you fearful then?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"Indeed I was, for I thought Curly might be lurking around.  He was
+here that day, and I do not mind confessing it now."  She then briefly
+told of Curly's visit, and how she had guarded him until Sconda arrived.
+
+They were walking along the shore now, about one hundred yards from the
+cabin.  Reynolds was amazed at the story, and when Glen finished he
+suddenly stopped.
+
+"Oh, I wish I had known of this sooner," he declared, while his hands
+clenched hard.  "Why didn't you tell me before?"
+
+"I was afraid," Glen confessed in a low voice.
+
+"Afraid!  Of what?"
+
+"Of what you might do to Curly."
+
+For an instant Reynolds stared at the girl.  Could it be possible that
+she was concerned about the villain's welfare?
+
+"And you thought I might kill him?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; that was it."
+
+"But he deserves to be killed after doing such a contemptible thing.
+Why, it is as bad as the Huns would do, and you know what we did to
+them."
+
+"But that was war," Glen reminded.  "If you shot an enemy over there,
+you were not considered a murderer, and condemned to death, were you?"
+
+"No, certainly not," Reynolds emphatically replied, as the meaning of
+the girl's words dawned upon his mind.  "And so you kept silent for my
+sake?" he asked.  "Were you afraid that I might do something desperate
+to Curly, and become a murderer?"
+
+"Yes, I was," and Glen lifted her shining eyes to his.
+
+"And you really care that much for me?"
+
+"Why shouldn't I?  Wouldn't anyone think of a friend, and his welfare?"
+
+Only for an instant did Reynolds hesitate, while his heart beat wildly
+with hope.  Then he caught the girl's hands in his, and looked
+longingly into her eyes.
+
+"Glen, Glen!" he passionately cried, using her Christian name for the
+first time, "is it possible that you love me?  I wanted to tell you of
+my love but I was afraid."
+
+"Why, you did tell me," Glen whispered, making no effort to free her
+hands.
+
+"I did!  When?"
+
+"Don't you remember that night at Glen West when we first sang
+together?"
+
+"But I didn't say a word to you about my love."
+
+"No, but you showed it in your face and manner.  You know what you did."
+
+"I kissed you; that was it."
+
+Releasing her hands, he drew the girl close to him, and imprinted a
+fervent kiss upon her burning lips.
+
+"Glen, Glen!" he murmured.  "You are mine at last.  I know you love me,
+and are now my very own.  Tell me that you love me."
+
+In reply, Glen threw her arms around his neck, while tears of joy stole
+down her cheeks.
+
+"I love you.  I love you," she whispered.  "Oh, I am so happy!  You
+will never leave me, will you?"
+
+For some time they stood there, lost to the world around them.  It was
+the old true story being repeated by that wilderness lake.  It was love
+made perfect by the union of two young hearts, the flowing together of
+two souls, the sudden bursting into bloom of the seed of affection,
+which had been steadily developing for weeks past.
+
+And as they stood there, whispering of things revealed only to true
+ardent lovers, and their faces aglow with the light of a great and a
+new-found joy, the atmosphere suddenly changed.  Great clouds had
+massed on the mountains, and the wind was whipping down the valley,
+ruffling the surface of the lake.  The air grew cold, and Glen
+shivered.  Then it was that they first realised the change that had
+taken place, and they both laughed.  But Glen's face grew instantly
+sober.
+
+"What will daddy say?" she breathed.  "We must tell him as soon as he
+comes home."
+
+"How does he generally punish a thief?" Reynolds smilingly asked as
+they walked slowly back to the cabin.  "I have stolen the greatest
+treasure he possesses, the heart of his only child."
+
+"That remains to be seen," was the laughing reply.  "He may punish you,
+though, by inflicting upon you for life that which you have stolen.
+Won't that be punishment enough?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE UNMASKING
+
+Frontier Samson was sitting before an open fire as Glen and Reynolds
+entered.  The flames were licking around the big sticks, lighting up
+the room, and playing fantastic tricks upon the walls and ceiling.
+They fell, too, upon the prospector's face, and had not the young
+couple been so full of their own happiness they would have noticed the
+sad, far-away look in the old man's eyes.  He was huddled in his chair,
+but straightened himself suddenly up at the first sound of approaching
+footsteps.  By the time the young people were at his side, he was the
+same genial companion as of old.
+
+"Having pleasant dreams?" Glen asked, as she took a seat by his side,
+while Reynolds sat opposite.
+
+"Evenin' dreams, Miss," Samson thoughtfully replied, as he looked into
+the girl's bright, animated face, and intuitively divined the meaning
+of her happiness.  "They're different from day-dreams, ye know,
+'specially when yer settin' before a fire like this.  Things come to ye
+then which ye imagined ye had forgotten long ago."
+
+"You must have had some wonderful experiences in this land," Reynolds
+remarked.  "And what scenes you have witnessed, especially in winter.
+If only you were an artist or a poet, what masterpieces you could
+produce."
+
+Samson reached for his pipe, filled and lighted it in thoughtful
+silence.  Glen and Reynolds gazed into the fire, fascinated by the
+leaping, curling flames.  Their hearts were so filled with joy that
+they could think of little but their own overflowing happiness.
+
+"Yes," Samson at length began, "I have seen some wonderful sights, an'
+no mistake.  I ain't no artist nor poet as fer as puttin' things on
+paper or canvas is consarned.  But it's all here," and he tapped his
+breast with the fingers of his right hand.  "When I hear the great
+mountains a-roarin' at night when the wind is abroad, an' at times
+listen to the breezes purrin' down their sides, I tell ye I'm a poet
+then.  An' at night, 'specially in winter, when the moon is full an'
+ridin' aloft above the highest peaks, an' the hull land is lit up with
+a wonderful glory, then I'm an artist.  I s'pose them things are all
+right in their way," and the old man gave a deep sigh, as he looked
+wistfully into the fire.  "But they don't altogether satisfy the soul.
+One needs the touch of human nature, the bond of fellowship, an' the
+warm fire of love to make life really worth livin'.  Now, I could tell
+ye about a man--but thar, you two don't want to hear a yarn from me
+to-night.  You've got other things to think about."
+
+"Indeed we do," Glen declared.  "I'm just in a mood for a story.  It
+will help to pass the time until daddy returns.  I wonder what in the
+world is keeping him."
+
+"Oh, he'll be here shortly, so don't worry," Samson told her.  "He'll
+come so suddenly, mebbe, that ye'll be surprised.  I find that it's
+ginerally the unexpected that happens in this world.  An' so ye want to
+hear me little yarn, eh?"
+
+"Certainly we do," and Glen settled herself comfortably in her chair.
+
+"Well, I warn ye at the outset that it's about some of the deepest
+things of life; of love an' sich like.  But it's true as the Gospel."
+
+"That should make it all the more interesting," Reynolds replied.  "We
+are both young, remember, and are fond of such things."
+
+"Sure, sure, I'm well aware of that," and the prospector's eyes
+twinkled.  "Now, this story of mine goes back quite a number of years.
+It is about a man who was carryin' on a very prosperous bizness in a
+sartin city, the name of which I shall not mention jist now.  He had
+everything that his heart could desire, sich as money, friends, a good
+home, a wife who was one in a million, an' a little child who made that
+home full of joy.  Then suddenly a great change took place.  His wife
+died, an' the man was left dazed an' helpless.  He no longer took any
+interest in his bizness, an' his one object was to git away from
+people, far off into the wilderness that he might be alone with his
+sorrow.  The day at last came when he was missed in the city, an' his
+friends an' acquaintances did not know what had become of him.  But
+thar was one thing that made them think he was not dead, an' that was
+something which appeared in one of the papers.  I remember the exact
+words:
+
+"'I go from the busy haunts of men, far from the worry an' bustle of
+bizness life.  I may be found, but only he who is worthy will find me,
+an' whoever finds me, will, I trust, not lose his reward.  From the
+loopholes of retreat I shall watch the stress an' fever of life, but
+shall not mingle in the fray."
+
+Before Samson had ended, Reynolds was on his feet, standing excitedly
+before him.
+
+"That man is Henry Redmond!" he exclaimed.  "Did you know him?  Have
+you any idea where he is?"
+
+"Set down, young man, set down," the prospector ordered.  "Don't git
+excited.  Yes, I'm speakin' of Henry Redmond.  No doubt ye've heard of
+him."
+
+"Indeed I have, and if you know where he is, tell me quick."
+
+Samson's eyes twinkled with amusement as he waved Reynolds back to his
+chair.
+
+"Jist be patient until I git through with me yarn, will ye?  I'm mighty
+glad that yer so interested in the story.  Yes, the man was Henry
+Redmond, an', as I told ye, he suddenly lit out to parts unknown.  But
+I know what happened to him.  He did leave the busy haunts of men, an'
+went far off into the wilderness, takin' with him his little child.  He
+lived alone fer a time in a cabin that he built.  He thought that he
+could be happy with nature, an' find comfort fer his great heart-ache
+in the loneliness of the wild.  But he soon found out his mistake.  He
+needed human companionship more'n he could git from his little child.
+After a while he jined himself to a band of Injuns, became their
+leader, an' ruled 'em with a strong hand.  Fer a time this gave him
+some comfort, an' he believed that sich a life was all that he could
+desire.  He had his books, an' when he wished he could talk with the
+natives, whose lingo he soon larned."
+
+Samson paused and gazed for a few minutes steadfastly into the fire.
+Reynolds had listened to every word and he could not tolerate the least
+delay.  A startling thought had come suddenly into his mind which
+stirred him to a high pitch of excitement.
+
+"Go on," he ordered.  "Finish your story."
+
+Samson aroused from his reverie, and looked keenly into the young man's
+eager eyes.
+
+"Whar was I?" he asked.  "Oh, yes, I remember.  It was jist whar
+Redmond had settled down among the Injuns.  Me mind was wanderin' a
+bit, due, no doubt, to old age.  Well, Redmond tried to find peace an'
+contentment in the little village.  From the loopholes of retreat he
+did watch the ways of civilization, an' the more he watched, the more
+dissatisfied he became.  He longed fer the companionship of people of
+his own kind, fer between him an' the Injuns thar was too wide a gap.
+He needed the company of white people, an' that he did not have.  He
+did not care to visit the outside world fer fear of bein' recognized.
+Then something happened which made a great change."
+
+"What was it?" Glen eagerly asked, for she, too, was intensely
+interested.
+
+"It was the discovery of gold in the very region whar Redmond thought
+he was secure from all contact with civilized life.  The miners flocked
+into the place, pokin' their noses into every hole an' corner, until
+Redmond found it necessary to keep them at arm's length an' at the same
+time strike terror into their hearts, that he might protect his Injuns
+from their evil influence."
+
+"Why, that's just like daddy," Glen remarked.  "He won't allow the
+miners to come to Glen West."
+
+"Sure, sure.  Any man would have done the same as Redmond did.  Thar
+was nuthin' else fer him to do.  But after the miners came, he had a
+great longin' to meet 'em, an' talk to 'em in a friendly way.  At first
+he didn't know how to manage this without bein' found out.  But by a
+lucky chance he came across an old Injun, who had once been a great
+medicine-man, an' was a mighty good hand at makin' disguises.  So he
+fixed up Redmond in sich a way that no one could tell but what he was a
+real old sourdough prospector who had spent most of his life lookin'
+fer gold."
+
+A half suppressed exclamation from Reynolds caused Samson to turn
+quickly in his direction.
+
+"Hey, anything wrong?" he asked.  "Ye seem to be somewhat excited.
+Nuthin' serious, I hope?"
+
+"Yes, there is," was the emphatic reply.  "But go on.  Never mind me."
+
+"I s'pose I might as well git along with me yarn," the old man
+continued.  "Yes, Redmond got all fixed up as a prospector, an' then he
+visited the minin' camps fer miles around.  No one suspected who he
+was, an' so he used to come an' go in a most mysterious manner, to
+their way of thinkin'."
+
+"What did he call himself?" Reynolds asked.
+
+"I'll come to that later, young man," and Samson slyly tipped him a
+warning wink.  "We'll jist call him Redmond fer the present.  He
+sartinly did have a great time of it, an' no one was the wiser.  An' he
+uster travel to the outside, too, an' everybody put him down as an old
+prospector hardly worth considering Say, it was great fun fer Redmond."
+
+"But where was his child all this time?" Reynolds questioned.
+
+"Oh, she jist stayed at home with a housekeeper Redmond got, an' grew
+up to be a fine slip of a gal.  Then when she was old enough, her dad
+decided to send her outside to school.  But when she came home fer the
+holidays she was somewhat unsettled, an' didn't want to stay in the
+north.  She longed fer society, fine dresses, an' sich things.  This
+worried her dad a great deal.  But one day she happened to come across
+a chap who took her fancy, an' that made all the difference in the
+world.  He saved her from a grizzly on Crooked----"
+
+Samson never finished the sentence, for with a startled cry, Glen was
+on her feet, her body trembling with emotion, and her eyes wide with
+wonder.
+
+"Are you Henry Redmond?" she demanded.  "Are you my father?"
+
+For an instant only did the old man look at the girl, then with a
+swift, deft movement he swept the long beard from his face, and the
+white hair from his head.
+
+"Daddy!"  It was all that Glen could say.  She trembled, and would have
+fallen had not her father caught her in his arms, and held her close to
+his breast.  For a time no one spoke, and Glen's sobs were the only
+sound heard.
+
+"There, there, dear, don't feel so badly," her father at length told
+her.  "Come, let me brush away your tears.  One would think that I had
+committed some terrible deed."
+
+"But I can't help it, daddy," the girl replied.  "This is all so
+sudden, and such a great surprise.  But I feel better now, so we can
+talk it all over.  There are so many questions I want to ask."
+
+The storm had now passed, and once more they resumed their seats.
+Glen, however, kept her eyes fixed intently upon her father's face.
+
+"And to think that you have deceived me all these years," she
+upbraided.  "Don't you feel thoroughly ashamed of yourself?"
+
+"I suppose I should," was the laughing confession.  "But I have had so
+much innocent fun out of it that my conscience doesn't trouble me in
+the least."
+
+"And it was you all the time who travelled on the same steamer as I
+did," Glen mused.  "I thought it strange that you should be going up or
+down the coast whenever I did."
+
+"Yes, I was keeping a good watch over you.  I must confess that you
+behaved yourself very well."
+
+"Was it not difficult to play your part as a prospector?" Reynolds
+asked.
+
+"Not after I got used to it, though at first it was a little awkward.
+But I threw myself so gladly and heartily into the character I had
+assumed that I really believed for the time that I was Frontier Samson.
+I might explain that he was a prospector I knew years ago, and was one
+of the finest men I ever met.  So you see, it was quite easy for me to
+imitate him."
+
+"How did you happen to lay claim to me, sir, on the _Northern Light_?"
+
+"Oh, that is easily explained.  I was always on the lookout for young
+men different from the ordinary miners who come to this country, and so
+spotted you at once.  I surmised from the first that you were not on
+your way up here for gold alone, and so I was anxious to learn the
+story of your life."
+
+"And did you?"
+
+"Don't you think I did?" and a humorous expression shone in Redmond's
+eyes.  "Didn't I listen to your words and study you as you were never
+studied before, unless it was by your mother?  But when I found that
+you were in love with a girl beyond the Golden Crest I became doubly
+interested, and determined to prove your soul and find out your worth.
+The final test was made that night you faced me in my study at Glen
+West.  Had you faltered then or shown the white streak, you would have
+been dumped beyond the pass."
+
+The speaker paused and gazed thoughtfully into the fire.  There was an
+expression of sadness in his eyes, and his face was somewhat strained
+and drawn.  Both Glen and Reynolds noted this as they watched him in
+silence.  At length he turned sharply to Reynolds, and spoke in a rapid
+and agitated manner.
+
+"Young man," he began, "you have found me.  I had given up all hope of
+anyone doing so.  I was not easily found, as I wrote in that note I
+left behind.  You have found more than my mere body--you have found my
+soul, my real self, and that was what I meant.  And you have found
+something else, which is more important in your eyes--you have found
+your reward--the treasure of all treasures to me.  Take her; she is
+yours, and may God bless you both."
+
+Outside, the wind howled through the trees and over the lake.  It beat
+upon the cabin and drove the rain lashingly against the small
+window-panes.  But within the cabin all was peace and happiness.  The
+flames from the burning sticks illumined the faces of the men and the
+girl as they sat and talked far on into the night.  Many were the
+questions asked and answers given.  They opened their hearts to one
+another, and as they talked and planned, all the disagreeable events of
+the past were forgotten, and the future looked rosy and bright.  It was
+especially so to the young lovers as they sat close to each other, hand
+in hand, heart responding to heart, each thrilled with a love, deep,
+pure and tender--a love which transformed the commonplace into a realm
+of enchantment, beauty, and peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+OUTWARD BOUND
+
+It was Saturday night and Andrew Harmon, editor of the _Telegram_ and
+_Evening News_, was sitting in an easy chair in his bachelor quarters.
+It was a cozy room, and the pictures on the walls and the well-filled
+book-shelves revealed the artistic and literary taste of the owner.
+The large shaded electric lamp on the table cast its soft light upon
+Harmon's face as he sat there with his right hand supporting his firm,
+clean-shaven chin.  It had been a trying week, and he was very weary.
+He was thankful that it was Saturday night, as he would be able to rest
+the next day, and think over a special editorial he was planning to
+write.
+
+Harmon was really a lonely man.  Of a reserved and retiring
+disposition, he had no desire for publicity.  As editor of one of the
+leading papers in the city, he could express his views and remain
+unknown to most of the readers.  His editorials were always written
+with great care and thought, and they were eagerly read by friends and
+opponents alike.  Such work had always given him considerable pleasure
+as he felt that he was doing his part in moulding the thought of the
+community along true and strong lines.  But to-night it all seemed of
+little avail.  He had labored, but what had been the result?  The only
+one upon whom he had lavished his affection had disappointed him, and
+was almost a stranger to him now.  Mechanically he picked up a telegram
+from the table and read it again.
+
+
+"Am leaving to-night on the _Princess May_.
+
+    "TOM."
+
+
+That was all.  It was dated three days ago, from Skagway, Alaska.
+Harmon held the telegram in his hand for some time, although he was not
+looking at the words.  He was thinking of the sender of that message,
+wondering what was bringing him home.  What would he do with him when
+he arrived? he asked himself.  He tried to think of something that
+would satisfy Reynolds' restless spirit; that would give an outlet to
+his abounding energy.  He had fondly hoped that Tom would throw himself
+into newspaper work, and thus make the _Telegram_ and _Evening News_ a
+greater force than ever.  New blood was needed on the staff, he was
+well aware, and Reynolds was just the man for the work.  He sighed as
+he thought of the futility of his dreams, and how impossible it was to
+make the young see with the eyes of age and experience.
+
+For some time Harmon sat there, lost in deep thought.  At length he
+arose and prepared himself for dinner.  He was about to leave the room,
+when a knock sounded upon the door, and in another instant Tom Reynolds
+stood before him.  Eagerly Harmon rushed forward, seized him by the
+hand, and bade him a hearty welcome.
+
+"Tom, Tom!" he cried.  "I am delighted to see you.  I had no idea the
+boat had arrived.  Come, sit down and tell me all about yourself."
+
+"Just a minute," Reynolds laughingly replied.  "Have you had dinner
+yet?  No?  Well, that's fortunate, as I want you to come and dine with
+me at the 'Pacific.'"
+
+"At the Pacific!"  Harmon looked his surprise and disappointment.  "Why
+did you go there?  I was expecting you here.  And, besides, isn't it
+rather expensive?"
+
+"It was at one time," and again Reynolds smiled.  "But I have struck it
+rich, so I want you to come and have a blow-out with me to-night.  You
+will come, won't you?  I shall feel badly if you don't.  The car is
+waiting."
+
+Harmon could not very well refuse, although he much preferred to remain
+where he was, and hear the young man's story in the quietness of his
+own room.  He was surprised at Reynolds' animated face and happy
+manner.  How he had changed since he had seen him last.  He could
+hardly believe it possible that this was the young man who but a short
+time before had been so listless and indifferent to life.
+
+Little was said as the car sped onward through the city, until it at
+length drew up before the big hotel.  With the air of one who had the
+full right of way, Reynolds at once conducted Harmon to a door on the
+first floor, which he opened and entered.  It was one of a suite of
+rooms, Harmon could tell at the first glance.  It was luxuriously
+furnished, and to live here for even a short time would be most costly.
+
+He had little time, however, to think of such things, for a curtain was
+suddenly drawn aside, and Redmond and his daughter appeared.  Although
+years had somewhat changed the former, yet Harmon recognized him at
+once.  He stood as if rooted to the floor, so great was his surprise.
+What happened next he was never able to tell with any degree of
+certainty.  He knew that Redmond seized him by the hand, and presented
+to him his daughter.  He felt that he made a fool of himself, for his
+eyes grew very misty and his words became confused as he tried to
+express himself.  He saw Reynolds smiling at him good-naturedly as he
+stared first at Redmond and then at his daughter.  He longed to get
+away to the quietness of his own room that he might think it all over.
+But there was no chance for that.  He was entrapped by these friendly
+plotters, and here he was forced to stay.
+
+"Do you remember the words I wrote?" Redmond asked.  "I think you will
+recall them.  I said, 'I go from the busy haunts of men, far from the
+bustle and worry of business life.  I may be found, but only he who is
+worthy will find me, and he who finds me, will, I trust, not lose his
+reward.'  That is part of my message, you remember."
+
+Harmon merely nodded in reply.
+
+"Very well, then," Redmond continued.  "I have been found, and he who
+found me stands there," and he motioned to Reynolds.
+
+"So I surmised," Harmon replied.  "And gold, I suppose, is the reward?"
+
+"No, no," Reynolds protested.  "Here is my reward," and he stepped over
+to Glen's side.  "Where are your senses, sir?"
+
+"Sure, sure, what was I thinking about?" and Harmon placed his hand to
+his head in perplexity.  "I seem to be all upset to-night.  But, my,
+my, what a reward!  Why didn't I undertake this quest? for then the
+reward might have been mine."
+
+Redmond and Reynolds smiled, but Glen immediately stepped forward, and
+putting her arms about the neck of the embarrassed man, kissed him upon
+the cheek.
+
+"There, you have your reward, sir," she announced.  "And if you are
+willing you may have me as a daughter.  How will that do?"
+
+Harmon was now more confused than ever.  Not since the last time his
+mother kissed him had a woman's lips ever touched his face.  And this
+girl had really kissed him, Andrew Harmon, the staid and sober editor
+of the _Telegram_ and _Evening News_!  What would his associates think
+and say if ever they heard of it?  He thought of all this as he stood
+there abashed with the girl's twinkling eyes fixed upon him.
+
+"But perhaps you do not consider me a reward, sir."  It was Glen
+speaking, so with an effort Harmon rallied his tumultuous senses.  He
+must rise to the occasion, and say something.  He mopped his perspiring
+brow with his handkerchief, and looked helplessly around.
+
+"Reward!" he gasped.  "Not consider you a reward!  Oh, Lord! what have
+I done to merit such happiness?  You as my daughter!  You the fairest
+of the fair, the flower of womanhood, you, you----"
+
+"Come, come, sir," Reynolds laughingly chided, as Harmon floundered for
+words.  "You will make me jealous if you are not careful.  But suppose
+we have something to eat, as I, for one, am hungry.  Dinner is already
+served, and waiting for us.  This is a part of our surprise; a private
+dinner, with plates set for four."
+
+"It is certainly wonderful what money will do," was Harmon's comment as
+he took his seat at the table at Glen's right hand.  "Little did I
+expect such surprises to-night."
+
+"Isn't it delightful!" the girl replied.  "I have heard so much about
+you lately, and what a great man you really are, that I felt quite
+nervous at the thought of meeting you.  But I am not one bit afraid of
+you now."
+
+Redmond and Reynolds laughed, and even Harmon smiled.  The editor was
+happy and contented, and life seemed very pleasant just then.  He was
+satisfied to listen in silence while Reynolds related the story of his
+experiences in the north, and his great triumph in winning the only
+daughter of the dreaded ruler of Glen West.
+
+"It all seems to me like a fairy-tale," Harmon, remarked, when Reynolds
+had finished.  "To think that in so short a time you have undergone
+such wonderful adventures, discovered my old friend, and won this fair
+maiden.  And the gold; what of it?  You will begin mining at once, of
+course."
+
+"We intended to do so," Redmond replied.  "But on our way here we were
+fortunate enough to sell our interests to one of the largest mining
+concerns in the United States for a most gratifying sum.  You see,
+there was great excitement in that region when it was learned that gold
+had been discovered.  Miners literally flocked into the place, and the
+wilderness has been suddenly converted into a busy mining camp.  We
+were offered large sums for our claims, but refused all until we
+reached Whitehorse.  There we were met by the agent of the great
+Hibberdash Mining Company, and so tempting and liberal was his offer,
+that we sold out our entire interests.  We are perfectly satisfied, as
+we shall now be free from all mining worries."
+
+"This is really wonderful!" Harmon exclaimed.  "What a write-up that
+will make for my paper.  You must let me have the entire story,
+Redmond.  And you will write it, won't you?"
+
+"Business as usual, I see," and Redmond smiled.  "When time permits, I
+shall do what I can.  I expect to be very busy for the next two weeks,
+and after that I must go north again."
+
+"Go north again!" Harmon repeated.  "Why, I thought you were through
+with the north forever."
+
+"Oh, no, not at all.  I have work to do there yet.  It is necessary for
+me to be present at the trial of that villain, Curly, and that will
+take some time.  Then I wish to visit Glen West, and attend to some
+matters there.  Sconda and his wife will look well after our house, for
+we plan to go there every summer for a holiday.  And we shall take you,
+too, for I know you would enjoy the scenery."
+
+"That would be a great treat to me," Harmon replied.  "But you will
+have time to write that article before you leave, will you not?"
+
+The others laughed, so anxious was the editor for the welfare of his
+paper.
+
+"I am afraid I shall not have time now," Redmond told him.  "There is
+much to be done in the two weeks before the great event."
+
+"The great event!  I do not understand."
+
+"Look," and Redmond drew his attention to Glen's blushing face.  "Now
+do you understand?"
+
+"Oh, I see," and Harmon smiled.  "A wedding; is that it?"
+
+"It seems so from all appearance, and that means a great deal of work
+for us all."
+
+"And you will live here?" Harmon eagerly asked, turning to Glen.
+
+"We hope to, Mr. Harmon, providing you care to have your daughter so
+near.  If not, we can stay in China or Japan, and you will not be
+troubled with me."
+
+"Stay in China or Japan!  What do you mean?"
+
+"We intend to go there on our wedding trip," Reynolds explained.  "We
+have planned a tour around the world.  We expect to see great sights,
+such as the fine art galleries of the old countries.  Then when we come
+home, I shall continue my painting which I have neglected too long
+already."
+
+"Lord bless us!" and Harmon held up his hands in amazement.  "This is
+all wonderful, and my poor old head is confused and dizzy.  Going
+abroad!  Coming home to carry on your painting!  My, what will money
+not do!  So my paper must go to the wall when I am gone, all because of
+your art.  Dear me!"
+
+"Do not feel so badly about it, sir," Reynolds soothed.  "Your son and
+daughter will help you out, and perhaps carry on when you are gone.
+But you are good for years yet, so do not worry.  We shall do our best
+to cheer you up."
+
+"And you will live here in the city?" Harmon questioned.
+
+"Certainly," Glen replied.  "We are going to look for the nicest and
+coziest place, with a garden and flowers.  Nannie will be in charge
+until we return, and keep us straight afterwards.  I could not get
+along very well without her.  And it will be your home, too, Mr.
+Harmon, whenever you wish to come.  I am sure that you and daddy will
+have wonderful evenings together talking over old times.  Oh, won't it
+be great!"  Glen's eyes sparkled, and her face beamed with animation.
+
+Harmon believed that he had never met a more charming girl.  As he sat
+in his own room late that night, and thought over the strange events of
+the evening, a picture of Glen's face was ever before his mind.  It
+banished his care and weariness, and as he recalled the kiss she had
+given him, a smile illumined his face, and for a time Andrew Harmon was
+young again.  Once more the fire of youth was kindled within him, and a
+vision of one fair face he had known years ago stood out clear and
+distinct, a face he had always cherished in his heart, the only real
+passion for a noble woman he had ever known. . . .
+
+Two weeks later Glen and Reynolds stood upon the bow of the _Empress of
+China_ as she headed out to sea.  It was early evening, and the glow of
+the departing sun shed its soft and rosy-tinted light upon the rippling
+water.  They had been quietly married that afternoon in one of the city
+churches, and Redmond and Harmon had accompanied them to the steamer.
+They did not need a clamoring crowd to bid them farewell, as they were
+all-sufficient to each other.  So as they stood there in the deepening
+twilight, they faced the eastern sky, all glorious with the light of
+the vanished sun.
+
+"How beautiful!" Reynolds murmured, for his soul was stirred at the
+sight, and his heart overflowing with love and happiness.  "It lies
+right before us, does it not, sweetheart?  Perhaps it is a token of the
+joy that lies ahead."
+
+"Only in a way," and Glen gave a sigh of contentment, as her hand stole
+gently into his.  "That light will shortly fade, and it will be dark
+over there.  But to us the light leading us on must never fade, for the
+future must be always bright with the glory of a love that never dies."
+
+"You are right, darling," and Reynolds pressed her hand more firmly,
+and drew her closer.  "No matter what happens the light of love shall
+always surround us and glorify the future.  Oh, what happiness is ours!
+How much life holds in store for us!"
+
+Glen's only reply was the lifting of her happy face to his and nestling
+closer to his side.  And there they silently stood, lost to all around
+them, facing with the zest of youth and love the mighty Pacific, and at
+the same time the far greater and more mysterious ocean of life, with
+all its joys and sorrows, its seasons of tempests, and its days of calm
+and sunshine.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GLEN OF THE HIGH NORTH***
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