ere
you are, and I shall guard you, even if I have to wait here all day."

"But I can't stand here," Curly whined. "Let me sit down."

"No, you must stay just where you are, and keep your hands clasped. I
shall sit down, though," and Glen seated herself upon the doorstep.

Curly started to remonstrate, but was sternly checked.

"I do not wish to hear anything more," Glen emphatically told him.
"You can keep your thoughts and your words to yourself. And do not
annoy me, or I might lose control of myself and do something rash."

Seeing that the girl was thoroughly in earnest, Curly said no more, but
stood there with his eyes fixed straight forward. The only time Glen
spoke was whenever she detected his look wavering in the slightest
degree. Then she called him sharply to attention, and warned him to be
mindful of what he was doing.

Thus slowly and wearily the morning wore away. With nerves strung to
the highest tension, Glen guarded her prisoner, at the same time
listening anxiously for the sound of Sconda's returning footsteps.

CHAPTER XXIV

WHEN THE RIFLES CRACKED

Ever since leaving for the hills Reynolds had the strong feeling that
the ruler of Glen West was studying him very closely. In various
subtle ways he could tell that he was being tested, and so this morning
as they moved forward he seemed like one undergoing a peculiar
examination. That his war record had made a deep impression upon
Weston he was well aware. But the man did not yet seem satisfied. He
evidently wished to probe to the very soul of the one who had captured
his daughter's heart.

After Weston had expressed himself concerning Indian superstition,
little was said until they had crossed the wild meadow and partly
encircled the opposite side of the lake. From here their course would
take them directly overland toward the high hill with the cave of gold.

They were about to leave the shore, when Reynolds suddenly paused and
looked excitedly around. Then his eyes fell upon the remains of a
campfire, and nearby, fastened to a stick in the ground, he saw a piece
of paper. This he quickly seized and read the brief message it
contained. He at once turned to Weston, who had been silently watching
his every movement.

"It's from Frontier Samson," Reynolds explained. "The old man is
greatly worried over my disappearance, and has been searching for me
several days. He must have known about your cabin, sir, for he
mentions