n
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