although not large, Reynolds thought it the finest fish he had ever
beheld. It did not take him long to despatch his prize, and in a few
minutes a portion of it was sizzling over a small fire he had lighted.
Never had any food tasted so good, he imagined, and the strength thus
gained brought back his normal state of mind. He felt more like
himself, and ready for another effort to free himself from his
wilderness prison. He even smiled as he thought of the bear's fright
and its ignominious retreat.

"Lost your breakfast, old boy, didn't you?" he called out. "You
weren't expecting company, were you? But I am grateful to you, and
wish you better luck next time."

Taking with him the remainder of the fish, Reynolds once more continued
his journey. The high ridge was a long way off, and before it could be
reached it would be necessary to cross several smaller hills and a
number of valleys. But with strength renewed, he sped onward.

All through the day the heat had been almost over-powering. It poured
its hot rays full upon him, and not a breath of wind stirred the trees.
He was about half way up the high hill when the weather suddenly
changed. The sky darkened, and the wind began to howl through the
forest. Great black clouds massed in vast battalions overhead, and in
less than half an hour the storm burst.

Reynolds had paused on a rocky ledge as the tempest swept upon him.
Never before had he experienced such a storm. It seemed as if the very
windows of heaven had suddenly opened to deluge the earth. He looked
hurriedly around for shelter, and seeing an overhanging portion of
rock, he at once made his way thither, and crouched low for protection.