Glen of the High North

eir 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" B

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

ditor. 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 en

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 mea

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 explo

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 fi

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 un

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 a

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

htest 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 thr

splendid thoroughbred. The animal's carriage showed not only pride in bearing such a beautiful rider, but a full sense of its responsibility

t 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

ildly, 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

e 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 sto

wered 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 apparen

d up the horse and looked across to where Reynolds was standing watching h

on o

hurried up the trail. He was panting heavily when he reached the girl's side, and the perspirati

s do that?" s

Reynolds as

that at a w

because I never had the chance.

ly for a few seconds. Then sh

to-day," she na?vely told him. "I am certain you

r 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,

rely resting and enjoying the scenery when you and the bear appeare

d back a wayward tress of hair that had

ear had me at its mercy. It is always the way, isn't it?

alone in such dangerous

he affectionately patted the horse's sleek neck. "But we came farther to-day than usual. But it was w

ntled his face told Glen that he was pleased at her words of praise. "I am

?" the gir

s, and far more ugly

reatures," and the girl's ey

s smiled. "They raise and train the

e?" Glen's interest and a

the war. I was a sharpshooter, you

the young man's very soul, and when his eyes aga

ere?" he unexp

sumed the defensive. The expression in her eye

e," she replied. "I

ds suggested. "You are unarmed, and may m

" the girl asked. "You nev

ds explained. "I was the one who drew the captain's attention to t

sh that the fog had not lifted just then

ot sorry, though. They seemed to

g lifted when it did," and

w the me

, but he

the dance. I suppose

e was a note of sternne

ny message I ca

er whip, and he sprang forward. Down the trail he clattered at a reckless gait, and when he had reached the level below his rider s

ve you misjudged me? Are all men alike? Thank

upon Midnight's flank when Reynolds stepped forwa

ded. "I meant nothing

re than you realise. Ma

to travel alone, unarme

e t

s much safer for me than it would be for you. Never cr

be away from the place where he had received such a fright. Only once did the girl look