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. "T