stumbled upon a vein of the precious metal, rich beyond the wildest
bounds of imagination! He put his hand to his face, and even pinched
himself to make sure that he was awake.

When the brand had flickered out, he walked back to the fire and sat
down. He tried to calm himself that he might think over his wonderful
discovery. The rain still pelted down outside, and the wind roared
among the trees. But Reynolds paid no attention to them now. He saw
nothing but gold, heaps of it, piled high before him, and himself the
richest man in the whole world. What would not the miners of Big Draw
give to know of this discovery! How they would flock to the place,
followed by thousands of others. What a change would ensue in a short
time. No longer would it be the desolate wilderness, but alive with
frantic human beings.

But suppose he should never live to tell the tale? He was lost, far
from any habitation, and with only enough food for a most meagre
breakfast. No, he must not die. It was necessary for him to live, to
make his great discovery known; and to reap the rich harvest himself.
And Glen! Again he thought of her. He would be able to go to her a
rich man instead of almost a beggar. He smiled as he recalled what he
had said to Frontier Samson. The prospector had given him his choice
between gold and the girl, and he had chosen the latter. His love had
not changed in the least degree, but why should he not have the gold as
well as the girl?

Reynolds sat for a long time that night absorbed in deep thought. He
slept upon the ground, and his dreams were a jumble of wild animals,
gold, and a beautiful girl. He awoke early and noted with satisfaction
that the storm had ceased, and the sky was clear. Having eaten the