lways silent when we should be gay to each other and make
happy the days, is not good, and all his peace will be gone. Now talk
to me a little of your thoughts, 'Arry King."

"My thoughts must be like yours, Amalia, if I would have them wise.
It's best to leave her as undisturbed as possible until spring. The
months will go by rapidly. He will not be troubled. Then we can take
her to some place, where I will see to it that you are cared for--"

The horse suddenly stopped and settled back on his haunches and lifted
his head, looking wildly about. Harry sprang to the bridle, but he did
not try to get away, and only stood quivering and breathing loudly as
if in the direst fear, and leaned close to Harry for protection.

"What ails you? Good horse." Harry petted and coaxed, but he refused
to move on, and showed every sign of frantic fear. "I can't think what
possesses him. He's afraid, but of what?"

"There! There!" cried Amalia, pointing to the top of the trail at the
cliff. "It's the beast. I have read of it--so terrible! Ah!"

"Surely. That's a mountain lion; Goldbug scented him before he rounded
the cliff. They're cowards; never fear." He shouted and flung his arm
in the air, but did not dare let the bridle rein go for fear the horse
would bolt with her. For a moment the beast stood regarding them, then
turned and trotted off in a leisurely fashion.

"'Arry, take my hand one minute. I am like the horse, afraid. If that
animal had come when we were alone on the mountain in that night--it
is my heart that will not stand still."

"Don't be afraid now. He's gone. He was hunting there where I was last
night, and no doubt he smells the horses that came up the mountain
early this morning. It is the snow that has driven him out of the
canyon to hunt for food." He let her cling to his hand and stood
quietly, petting and soothing the horse.

"All night? 'Arry King, you were there all night? Why?" she shivered,
and, bending down, looked steadily in his eyes.

"I had a fire. There was no danger. There is more danger for me in--"
he cut his words short. "Shall we go on now? Or would you rather turn
back?"

She drew herself up and released his hand; still she trembled. "I will
be brave like you are brave. If you so desire, we go on."

"You are really braver than I. Then we'll go a few steps farther." But
the horse would not go on. He snorted and quivered and pulled back.
Harry looked up at Amalia. She sat calmly waiting,