trail, mounted upon her horse. He recalled for the thousandth time her
clear musical voice, the bright flash of her eyes, and the deep flush
which had mantled her cheeks at the mention of Curly's name.

"I must find her," he emphatically declared, as he stirred up the
dwindling fire, and added a couple of sticks. "I expected to be with
her before this, but here I am, lodged like a bear in this dismal hole."

He glanced around the cave, and as he did so, he gave a sudden start.
Something in one side of the wall where the fire-light fell attracted
his attention. It made his heart beat fast, and brought him to his
feet in an instant. His hand reached up and touched it. Then he
quickly struck a match, and examined it more carefully. Yes, he was
right, and he had made no mistake. It was gold!




CHAPTER XI

INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN

For a few seconds Reynolds stared upon his new discovery. Then he
examined the walls elsewhere, and no matter where he looked, he found
nuggets of gold protruding from the earth. His excitement now became
intense, and seizing a burning stick he began to explore the cave.
Everywhere it was the same. The earth beneath his feet was even filled
with nuggets, and, they gleamed upon him from overhead. He felt that
he must be dreaming, or else his terrible experiences of late had
turned his brain. Could it be possible that he had accidentally