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 last of the salmon, he left the cave and viewed his surroundings in order to locate his bearings should he ever return to the place.  He believed that he was about half way up the highest hill in the immediate vicinity, and that he could not fail to miss seeing it from a distance.  He noticed that the hill formed the apex of a triangular formation, while two hills, one to the right and the other to left, served as base corners.  He was sure that he could remember such guiding marks, and would be able to return to the cave without any difficulty.

It was with a feeling of reluctance that he at length left the cave and again assayed the climb up the side of the hill, which became steeper and more precipitous the farther he advanced.  At times he was forced to pull himself up by means of roots and small trees, so his progress was accordingly slow.  The sun was hot, and often he grew faint from heat and fatigue.  He watched for any sign of life, of rabbit, bird, or squirrel.  But the place seemed deserted, and even the plant life was scant and scrubby.  A fierce thirst came upon him, for no water had passed his lips since the previous day.

Thus hour after hour he toiled upward.  He did not dare to return to the brook below, for that would mean certain death.  It had to be ever on until the summit was reached, and what then?  His courage almost failed as he thought of what that barren peak might have in store for him.  He had been disappointed so often, surely Fate would not abandon him now after he had made such a fierce fight for life.

When but a hundred yards from his goal, he paused for a minute’s respite.  He turned his bloodshot eyes to the sky.  A great eagle was soaring majestically athwart the blue.  It seemed to mock him by its easy flight.  It angered him as he followed its every movement.  Why should a mere bird have such freedom of motion, while man was so helpless?  To the eagle, distance was nothing; it laughed the highest mountain peak to scorn, and its food was wherever its fancy led.  He suddenly thought of the gold he had discovered.  In the world of civilization what a power it would mean.  What could it not do toward providing ease and reputation?  And of what use was that treasure to him now?  It was of no more value than the stones beneath his feet, and he would gladly have given it all for one good meal and a draught of refreshing water.