gned to that?" Weston asked, when Reynolds had
finished.

"I understand there was none."

"Why, then, does your friend Harmon imagine that it refers to Redmond?"

"Because it appeared immediately after the man's disappearance, and
Harmon told me it was just like Redmond to do such a thing."

"It is all mere conjecture, then?"

"It is."

"And upon the strength of that your friend, would have you undertake
the wild-goose adventure, as you term it. What are his reasons?"

"He wishes me to find an outlet for my restless spirit; to satisfy his
own curiosity; and finally, to have a series of special articles for
his paper."

"What! Does Harmon want you to write a full account of your adventure,
and all about the missing man should you find him?"

"It seems so, though I guess he will have to wait a long time. I must
first of all find Frontier Samson, and get that gold. Then, perhaps,
something else may interfere with Harmon's plans."

"Yes, yes, you must find the old prospector and get the gold," Weston
agreed. "But you will need assistance. I know the region as well as
any man, and I have a comfortable cabin in the hills. Allow me to go
with you to direct your search."

Reynolds' eyes opened wide with amazement, and he stared at Weston as
if he had not heard aright. Could it be possible that this man, the
stern ruler of Glen West, and Glen's father, was really offering to
assist him? Weston divined his thoughts, and smiled.

"I know you are astonished," he told him. "But, you see, I am not yet
beyond the lure of gold, and should we find that mine, there might be
something in it for me. We might go partners, eh?"

"That would be great," Reynolds replied with enthusiasm. "But we must
not leave the old prospector out."

"Oh, no, that would never do. We shall see that he gets his share,
providing we find him. I am really anxious to be off at once," and
Weston rose as he spoke.

"When shall we start?" Reynolds asked.

"In a couple of days, if that will suit you. It will not take long to
make the necessary arrangements for the trip, and we shall take two
Indians to look after our welfare."

Weston was almost like a boy in his excitement, and Reynolds could
hardly believe him to be the same man he had faced the night before.

"You may go and tell Glen about our proposed trip," Weston said. "She
must be wondering what we are talking so long about."

"And will she go too?" Reynolds eagerly asked