uch to her.

Thinking thus, she reached the house, and as soon as she entered she
knew that her father was at home, for the door of his private room was
open. He was seated at his desk when he turned and saw her. Springing
to his feet, he caught her in his arms, kissed her on both cheeks, and
then holding her at the full length of his powerful arms, he looked
eagerly and lovingly upon her now flushed and excited face.

"Why, you are getting better looking every day," he declared. "Just
like your dear mother at her age. My, my, how the time has gone! and
it seems but yesterday that I first met her. But, there, there, I must
not give way to such feelings on this my first night home. Come, sit
by my side and tell me all about yourself, and how things are going at
Glen West."

For the first time in her young life Glen was sorry that her father had
come home. She was really more than sorry, for a nameless fear
possessed her heart, which restrained her usual free and happy manner.
Her father's keen intuition noted this, and that her words seemed
forced. Her enthusiasm over his arrival was not so hearty and natural
as formerly, and he wondered why.

"What is the matter, dear?" he asked after Glen had somewhat haltingly
told him about her music and certain household affairs. "You do not
seem like yourself. Has anything out of the ordinary happened at Glen
West since I have been away?"

"Yes, lots of things, daddy," was the reply. "One of the most
important is your absence from home for such a length of time. You
should be ashamed of yourself."

Weston laughed, although he felt quite sure that she was evading the
real issue.

"I am sorry, dear, and I make my humble confession now. But what else
of importance has been taking place?"

"I was nearly eaten up by a bear on Crooked Trail, and it was a grizzly
at that."

Glen was surprised that her father did not seem more concerned, and she
told him so.

"You take it very coolly, daddy. Just think, you might have come home
and not found me here."

"I am very thankful that you escaped, dear, but did I not forbid your
going so far alone beyond the Golden Crest? I hope your experience has
taught you a lesson. How were you saved from the grizzly?"

"Oh, a hunter shot it just in the nick of time," Glen explained as
indifferently as possible, although she knew that her cheeks were
aflame. "And, oh, daddy, you should have seen the shot he made; it was
wonder