resplendent glory. Midnight was standing close to the rocky ledge,
with ears pointed forward and his large eyes turned to the left. His
body was still quivering, and every nerve was keenly alert.
Occasionally his right fore-hoof struck the rock, indicating his
impatience to be away. The slightest sound startled him, for he could
not easily forget his encounter with the bear.

"Steady, laddie," Glen soothed, when he became more restless than
usual. "I know you are anxious to be off, but I like this place. I
wonder where we would be now but for that wonderful shot. Most likely
we would be lying down there in the ravine instead of the grizzly."

For about fifteen minutes longer she remained in this position,
silently looking out toward the great mountains beyond. Had Reynolds
but seen her then, how the artist soul within him would have rejoiced.
With a remarkable grace and ease she sat there, as one well accustomed
to the saddle. Her left hand held the reins, and her right the
riding-whip. Her soft felt hat, caught up at one side, partly shaded
her face. A deep flush mantled her cheeks, due not to the reflection
of the sun alone, but to buoyant health, and the excitement through
which she had just passed.

Almost wistfully she at length wheeled her horse and headed him away
from the summit. Midnight needed no urging, and the light of
satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he sped swiftly and nimbly along
the narrow trail. No guiding hand directed him, and the reins lay
loose upon his glossy neck, for his mistress' mind was elsewhere. At
times he was compelled to slow down to a walk where the rocks were
thick, or the trail steep and dangerous. But whenever possible, such
as on the wild meadows, he laid back his ears and sped like the wind.