smile, which Glen
was quick to notice. Throwing her arms impulsively about his neck, she
kissed his bronzed cheek.

"I love you dearly, daddy," she murmured. "But because I love him does
not lessen my love for you."

"I know it, dear, I know it," and Weston's voice was husky as he held
his daughter close. "I am glad to know that you are happy, and I have
every reason to believe that Reynolds is worthy of your love. Your
confidence means very much to me. But, there, now, you had better be
off. Natsu will look well after you. I was forced to send Sconda with
Reynolds, as Natsu is not to be trusted at Big Draw. There are some
unscrupulous fellows at the mining camp who might fill him with bad
whiskey, and when he is half drunk he is liable to talk too much."

Glen enjoyed the ride over the long crooked trail, and her spirits,
which had been somewhat depressed at the parting from her father and
Reynolds, revived. There was nothing which thrilled and stimulated her
so much as riding on Midnight through the great wilderness. Her lithe,
supple body swayed in a rhythmical motion as the horse sped on his way.
Riding was one of the few attractions which made the northland
tolerable, and she wondered what she would do outside to replace it.

"I shall take you with me, old boy," she confided, as she
affectionately patted Midnight's neck. "It would not do to leave you
behind. My, what a great time we shall have upon the level roads!"

Then she fell to thinking about the joy of visiting different lands,
and seeing strange sights. But she always associated her travels with
Reynolds. She pictured him by her side as they went from place to
place, eager and delighted at everything they beheld. It was certainly
a pleasant dreamland in which she was living on this beautiful morning.
Not a shadow dimmed her vision. All was rosy and fair, and like
another speeding on his way to Big Draw, she was surrounded by the halo
of romance.

It was supper time when Glen at length reached home, where she at once
handed Midnight over to Natsu, and entered the house. Nannie was
greatly surprised to see her back so soon, accompanied only by the
Indian. But a little later, as they sat down to supper, Glen related
the tale of experiences in the hills, omitting only her adventure with
Curly.

"And just think, Nannie!" she enthusiastically exclaimed in conclusion,
"daddy is seriously thinking about leaving the north and going outside.