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