Four girls they were--four laughing girls from the High School. For three
happy years they had studied together and played together. But now
Ambition had whispered to them. To each the message had been the same:

"Hidden in the way that is ahead you will find a treasure. It is of all
treasures most valuable. It will bring to you comfort and happiness all
the days of your life. Seek and ye shall find."

And at once they began to wish to find the treasure. Not to each other
even did they tell the secret that Ambition had whispered, for then
another might find the treasure. Each in her own way began to seek, and
for a time their paths still led in the same direction.

But one bright, beautiful day they came to a place where the ways parted.
Many roads led from the one road and on every road there were many people.
Now what should be done? In which way was the treasure to be found? If one
chose the wrong way, one might never find it.

There was little time to stand and think, for the crowds pressed on
behind, always urging them forward. Into one they must go at once.

"Surely this is the road," said the first, looking down a beautiful, long
roadway. "One would certainly find something worth while in such a
beautiful place as this. Here are lights and music; here are songs and
merriment; here are people who seem as happy as the day. I shall enter
here, and after I have danced and played with the brightly dressed girls
whom I see, I shall hunt diligently for the treasure."

So she entered the way of Pleasure and, because there was time for naught
else but play, her days passed and she found it not.

"That road does not appeal to me," said the second. "The red of the
lights, the noise of the music, the laughter of the people seem annoying
to me. I do not care to go with you longer. I like this yellow way. There
must be a great sun to light the way, for it is so beautiful. Here, too,
every one is searching, so I am sure they must have knowledge that the
treasure is here. I will enter and find it."

Then she, too, entered the way of her choice and it was the way of Gold.
All about her were traces of treasure, but there were many who pushed her
aside. She grew weary with her search; she liked little the people who
were her companions in the way, and she found there no treasure that
brought comfort and happiness all her days.

"I like little those long, uninteresting roadways where it all is glitter
and noise," said t