by
themselves to do their spoonin'. They'll be wanderin' up along that
trail between here an' the water some time this afternoon, an' that'll
be our chance."

But this time Dan was mistaken. The young lovers did not come up the
trail, neither did they see them again during the remainder of the day,
although they stayed there until the sun had gone down. They
accordingly went back to Dan's cabin a sulky and ugly pair. Lustful,
and filled with the spirit of revenge, they became all the more
determined and desperate the more they were baffled in their plans.

Early the next morning they again took up their position on the high
crest. They did not have long to wait now, for in less than an hour
they beheld something upon the trail below them which gladdened their
devilish hearts. At once they vanished from the summit, and like
panthers stole cautiously through the forest, and cautiously began to
stalk their unconscious prey.

CHAPTER XXII

THE CABIN IN THE HILLS

Glen's fears and forebodings of the previous night passed away as she
rode Midnight along the trail on that beautiful summer morning. For a
time a feeling of security filled her heart. Was she not well guarded
by her father, her lover, and two reliable Indians, Sconda and Natsu!
Why should she fear? Curly was evidently at Big Draw, and so
discouraged over his reception at Glen West that he would hardly
venture near the place again. It was a bright happy face that she
turned to Reynolds as he rode by her side wherever the trail permitted
their horses to ride abreast. They rejoiced in each other's company,
and words were unnecessary, for love has a silent language all its own.

Jim Weston rode ahead, while the two Indians brought up in the rear.
The horses which the natives rode bore a few extra provisions for
several days' outing, such as tea, coffee, sugar, flour, and a supply
of canned goods.

Glen rode Midnight gracefully. She was dressed the same as on the day
Reynolds first saw her on Crooked Trail. She was perfectly at home in
the saddle, and what to Reynolds was difficult riding to her was a
pleasure. At times she smiled at his awkwardness as he tried to
maintain his position where the trail was unusually rough and steep.

"You are better with the rifle, are you not?" Glen bantered.

"I certainly am," was the reply. "I have had very little experience on
horse back. I wish I could ride like you, for you are so much at ease."