Part 32 (1/2)

”You are better with the rifle, are you not?” Glen bantered.

”I certainly am,” was the reply. ”I have had very little experience on horse back. I wish I could ride like you, for you are so much at ease.”

”I should be,” and again the girl smiled. ”I cannot remember the time when I did not know how to ride. But, then, you have not seen me at my best. Sconda has, though, and he knows that I can hold my own with the most expert rider. Oh, it's great when you're going like the wind, clearing rocks and fallen trees with tremendous bounds. Midnight understands, don't you, old boy?” and she affectionately patted the horse's glossy neck.

Reynolds watched the girl with deep admiration. He felt that her words were no mere idle boast, and he longed to see an exhibition of her skilful riding.

At noon they stopped by the side of a little stream which flowed out from under the Golden Crest, and ate their luncheon.

”We shall have a great dinner to-night,” Weston informed them. ”We must do honor to such an occasion as this.”

”And if we can find Frontier Samson, all the merrier,” Reynolds replied.

”Sure, sure, we must find the old man,” Weston agreed. ”But, then, it's unnecessary to worry about him. He's all right, never fear, though no doubt he is somewhat anxious about his runaway partner.”

The ruler of Glen West was in excellent spirits. Glen had never seen him so animated, and at luncheon he joked and laughed in the most buoyant manner. During the afternoon he pointed out to his companions numerous outstanding features of nature's wonderful handiwork. At times he would look back, and draw their attention to a peculiar rock formation, a small lake lying cool and placid amidst the hills, or to some beautiful northern flowers by the side of the trail. Thus the afternoon pa.s.sed quickly and pleasantly, and evening found them before the little cabin in the hills.

It was a beautiful spot where Weston had erected his forest habitation.

The cabin nestled on the sh.o.r.e of a very fine lake. At the back stood the trees, which came almost to the door. The building was composed entirely of logs, and contained a small kitchen, two bed-rooms, and a living-room. A stone fire-place had been built at one end of the latter, while the walls were adorned with trophies of the chase. Books of various kinds filled several shelves, and magazines and newspapers were piled upon a side-table. It was a most cozy abode, and Weston was greatly pleased at the interest Glen and Reynolds took in everything.

”My, I should like to spend a few weeks here,” Reynolds remarked, as he examined the books. ”What a grand time one could have reading and meditating. You have a fine collection, sir,” and he turned to Weston, who was standing near.

”I bring only the masters here,” was the reply. ”One cannot afford to pack useless truck over the trail. In a place such as this the mind is naturally reflective, and one craves for things that are old and firmly established.”

”But what about those?” and Reynolds pointed to the magazines and newspapers.

”Oh, they have their place, too,” and Weston smiled. ”Even in the wilderness a man should not lose touch with the busy world outside. I consider that the study of the past and present should go together. By keeping abreast of the times one can form some idea how the world is progressing, and by reading the masters of other days one can interpret all the better the problems of the present.”

While Weston and Reynolds discussed the books, Glen was busily engaged setting the table for supper. Natsu had taken the horses down to the wild meadow some distance away, and Sconda was in the kitchen. The latter was an excellent cook, and prided himself upon his ability to provide a most delicious repast, whether of moose meat or fried salmon.

It was the latter he was preparing this evening, the fish having been brought from Glen West. Several loaves of fresh white bread, made the night before, had been provided by Nannie, as well as some choice cake and preserves.

In a little less than an hour supper was ready, and Glen took her place at the head of the table. Cloth for the table there was none, but the rough boards were spotlessly clean. The dishes were coa.r.s.e, and all the dainty accessories of a modern household were wanting. But Reynolds never enjoyed a meal as he did that one in the little cabin by the mirroring lake. To him it was the girl who supplied all that was lacking. She performed her humble duties as hostess with the same grace as if presiding at a fas.h.i.+onable repast in the heart of civilization. He noted the happy expression in her eyes, and the rich color which mantled her cheeks whenever she met his ardent gaze.

Glen was happier than she had ever been in her life, and while her father and Reynolds talked, she paid little attention to what they were saying. She was thinking of the great change which had come over her father during the last few days. He had made no reference to her confession of love for the young man, for which she was most thankful.

She believed that he liked Reynolds, and found in him a companion after his own heart. Her cares had been suddenly lifted, for in the presence of the two men she loved her fears and forebodings were forgotten.

After supper they sat for a while in front of the cabin. The men smoked and chatted. It was a perfect night, and not at all dark, for a young moon was riding over the hills. Not a ripple ruffled the surface of the lake, and the great forest lay silent and mysterious around.

Weston told several stories of his experiences in the wilderness, especially of his encounter with a grizzly.

”I am very proud of the final shot which brought the brute down,” he said in conclusion. ”I wish you both could have seen it.”

”I do not believe it was any finer than the one which brought my grizzly down,” Glen challenged. ”You should have seen that, daddy. It was wonderful!”

”Where did you learn to shoot so well?” Weston asked, turning to Reynolds.

”Over in France. I was a sharpshooter for a while.”

”Well, that is interesting,” and Weston blew a cloud of smoke into the air, while his eyes wandered off across the lake. ”Had some lively experiences, I suppose?”