oked Trail, and he knew that Glen would be waiting and
eager to greet him. Her face stood out clear and distinct in his mind,
and he recalled the words she had spoken, and her charming manner. His
heart beat fast as he thought of her, and he believed that she loved
him. He chided himself for not pouring out his heart to her that
evening as they stood by the side of the inland lake. The expression
in her eyes and the tone of her voice were those of a woman whose heart
must be filled with love, so he reasoned. Yes, he would speak to her
just as soon as he reached Glen West. The way would be short, for she
was his guiding star, and he would speed swiftly to the one he loved.

It was dusk when he at length rose to his feet and started down the
creek. He did not hurry as he had the whole evening before him, and
there was no one awaiting his coming. But there would be someone
tomorrow, and his heart thrilled, and his eyes shone with animation as
he thought of the girl beyond the Golden Crest.

Part way down Big Draw valley, and on the left side, was a sharp break
in the bank, where a small creek met the larger one. This in ages past
had evidently been a river, whose bed was now dry. It was up this
creek that the trail led out into the hills, the one that Reynolds had
always taken when he went forth on his hunting expeditions. The
entrance to this draw was now wrapped in semi-darkness, for the high
tree-clad banks shouldered toward each other, thus shutting out the dim
light of departing day.

Reynolds reached this place, and with a glance up the trail which he
would take in the morning, he had almost reached the opposite side,
when, without a word of warning, a light was flashed into his eyes, and
in an instant he was swept from his feet, hurled to the ground, and his
arms securely bound. He had no chance to defend himself, for
everything happened so quickly. There seemed to be quite a crowd of
men holding him fast, some sitting upon his body, while others held his
hands and feet. Although He strained and struggled desperately to free
himself, his efforts were of no avail, and he soon realised that he
might as well reserve his strength for whatever lay ahead.

"Now get on yer feet, an' be d---- quick about it, too." It was
Curly's voice, and Reynolds knew that the villain was at the bottom of
this affair.

He made no reply, however, but at once struggled to a standing position
and looked around. There app