the highest hill in the
immediate vicinity, and that he could not fail to miss seeing it from a
distance. He noticed that the hill formed the apex of a triangular
formation, while two hills, one to the right and the other to left,
served as base corners. He was sure that he could remember such
guiding marks, and would be able to return to the cave without any
difficulty.

It was with a feeling of reluctance that he at length left the cave and
again assayed the climb up the side of the hill, which became steeper
and more precipitous the farther he advanced. At times he was forced
to pull himself up by means of roots and small trees, so his progress
was accordingly slow. The sun was hot, and often he grew faint from
heat and fatigue. He watched for any sign of life, of rabbit, bird, or
squirrel. But the place seemed deserted, and even the plant life was
scant and scrubby. A fierce thirst came upon him, for no water had
passed his lips since the previous day.

Thus hour after hour he toiled upward. He did not dare to return to
the brook below, for that would mean certain death. It had to be ever
on until the summit was reached, and what then? His courage almost
failed as he thought of what that barren peak might have in store for
him. He had been disappointed so often, surely Fate would not abandon
him now after he had made such a fierce fight for life.

When but a hundred yards from his goal, he paused for a minute's
respite. He turned his bloodshot eyes to the sky. A great eagle was
soaring majestically athwart the blue. It seemed to mock him by its
easy flight. It angered him as he followed its every movement. Why
should a mere bird have such freedom of motion, while man was so
helpless? To the eagle, distance was nothing; it laughed the highest
mountain peak to scorn, and its food was wherever its fancy led. He
suddenly thought of the gold he had discovered. In the world of
civilization what a power it would mean. What could it not do toward
providing ease and reputation? And of what use was that treasure to
him now? It was of no more value than the stones beneath his feet, and
he would gladly have given it all for one good meal and a draught of
refreshing water.

The eagle was still soaring overhead, free and buoyant. It was nearer
now, wheeling closer and closer to Reynolds as he clung like a snail to
the side of the hill. And he was made in the image of God! The
thought stung him. Why