“Had he any family?” Reynolds questioned.

“One little girl only, for he married late in life.  His friends thought that he would remain a permanent bachelor, and they were greatly surprised when he unexpectedly took to himself a wife much younger than himself, and very beautiful.  They lived most happily together, and when his wife died Redmond was heartbroken.”

“Perhaps her death affected his mind,” Reynolds suggested.

“I have thought of that, and his sudden disappearance, as well as the peculiar letter I read to you, lends color to the idea.”

“What became of the child?”

“No one knows.  He evidently took her with him, and that is another reason why I believe no harm befell him as you suggested.  The whole affair is involved in the deepest mystery.”

“And did no one attempt to solve it?” Reynolds asked.  “Was no effort made to find the missing man?”

“There was at the time, and the newspapers far and near made mention of his disappearance.  It was the talk of the city for several weeks, and I understand that several men thought seriously of searching for him.  But the interest gradually waned, and he was forgotten except by a few, of whom I am one.”

Reynolds rose to his feet and picked up his hat.

“Suppose I think this over for a few days?” he suggested.  “If I get the fever I shall let you know.  In the meantime I shall plug away at my present job.  I can’t afford to be idle, for ’idleness is the holiday of fools,’ as someone has said.”

“That’s fine, Tom,” and the editor’s face brightened with pleasure.  “And, remember, you shall be supplied with all the money you need, so do not worry about that.”

“Thank you, but I have a little of my own that will last me for a while.  When I run through with it I may call upon you.”

“Very well, do as you like, Tom.  But think it over and let me know of your decision as soon as possible.”

CHAPTER II

WHEN THE FOG-BANK LIFTED

The Northern Light was lying at her wharf preparing for her long run to the far Northern Pacific, through the numerous islands studding the coastal waters of British Columbia, and the United States Territory of Alaska.  All day long she had been taking on board great quantities of freight, and now on the eve of her departure passengers were arriving.  The latter were mostly men, for new gold diggings had been discovered back in the hills bordering the Yukon River, and old-timers were flocking northward, anticipating another Klondyke, and all that it might mean.

Tom Reynolds stood on the wharf noting the excitement that was taking place around him.  Apart from the article he would prepare for the next day’s issue of The Telegram; he was more than usually interested in what he beheld.  As he watched several bronzed and grizzly veterans of many a long trail and wild stampede, a desire entered into his heart to join them in their new adventure.  He would thus find excitement enough to satisfy his restless nature, and perhaps at the same time share in the golden harvest.