eading up West Fork was like a barrier. She saw horse
tracks in it. Next she descried boot tracks the shape of which was so
well-remembered that it shook her heart. There were fresh tracks in the
sand, pointing in the direction of the Lodge. Ah! that was where Glenn
lived now. Carley strained at her will to keep it fighting her memory.
The glory and the dream were gone!

A touch of spur urged her mustang into a gallop. The splashing ford of
the creek--the still, eddying pool beyond--the green orchards--the white
lacy waterfall--and Lolomi Lodge!

Nothing had altered. But Carley seemed returning after many years.
Slowly she dismounted--slowly she climbed the porch steps. Was there no
one at home? Yet the vacant doorway, the silence--something attested to
the knowledge of Carley's presence. Then suddenly Mrs. Hutter fluttered
out with Flo behind her.

"You dear girl--I'm so glad!" cried Mrs. Hutter, her voice trembling.

"I'm glad to see you, too," said Carley, bending to receive Mrs.
Hutter's embrace. Carley saw dim eyes--the stress of agitation, but no
surprise.

"Oh, Carley!" burst out the Western girl, with voice rich and full, yet
tremulous.

"Flo, I've come to wish you happiness," replied Carley, very low.

Was it the same Flo? This seemed more of a woman--strange now--white and
strained--beautiful, eager, questioning. A cry of gladness burst from
her. Carley felt herself enveloped in strong close clasp--and then a
warm, quick kiss of joy, It shocked her, yet somehow thrilled. Sure was
the welcome here. Sure was the strained situation, also, but the voice
rang too glad a note for Carley. It touched her deeply, yet she could
not understand. She had not measured the depth of Western friendship.

"Have you--seen Glenn?" queried Flo, breathlessly.

"Oh no, indeed not," replied Carley, slowly gaining composure. The
nervous agitation of these women had stilled her own. "I just rode up
the trail. Where is he?"

"He was here--a moment ago," panted Flo. "Oh, Carley, we sure are
locoed. ... Why, we only heard an hour ago--that you were at Deep
Lake.... Charley rode in. He told us.... I thought my heart would break.
Poor Glenn! When he heard it.... But never mind me. Jump your horse and
run to West Fork!"

The spirit of her was like the strength of her arms as she hurried
Carley across the porch and shoved her down the steps.

"Climb on and run, Carley," cried Flo. "If you only knew how glad he'll
be that you ca