Reynolds’ eyes opened wide with amazement, and he stared at Weston as if he had not heard aright.  Could it be possible that this man, the stern ruler of Glen West, and Glen’s father, was really offering to assist him?  Weston divined his thoughts, and smiled.

“I know you are astonished,” he told him.  “But, you see, I am not yet beyond the lure of gold, and should we find that mine, there might be something in it for me.  We might go partners, eh?”

“That would be great,” Reynolds replied with enthusiasm.  “But we must not leave the old prospector out.”

“Oh, no, that would never do.  We shall see that he gets his share, providing we find him.  I am really anxious to be off at once,” and Weston rose as he spoke.

“When shall we start?” Reynolds asked.

“In a couple of days, if that will suit you.  It will not take long to make the necessary arrangements for the trip, and we shall take two Indians to look after our welfare.”

Weston was almost like a boy in his excitement, and Reynolds could hardly believe him to be the same man he had faced the night before.

“You may go and tell Glen about our proposed trip,” Weston said.  “She must be wondering what we are talking so long about.”

“And will she go too?” Reynolds eagerly asked.

“Certainly.  It would not do to leave her behind.  She would be very angry if we did.  And, besides, she must have a share in that mine.  Ho, ho, there will be four of us on the ground-floor, all right, and the rest can have what we leave, providing there is any.  Hurry away, now, and tell Glen to get ready.  It generally takes a woman two or three days to prepare for a journey.”

CHAPTER XX

A SHOT FROM THE GOLDEN CREST

Glen was greatly agitated when her father summoned Reynolds into his presence.  She felt that the critical moment had arrived, and she dreaded what might follow.  Although she loved her father, yet at times she feared him.  Suppose he should send Reynolds away at once, and forbid his return to Glen West?  He had treated others in a harsh manner, and why should he act differently now?  Her only ray of hope lay in the thought that he had allowed the young man to stay at the house over night, and had permitted him to sleep in the room which had never before been occupied.

She sat for some time after Reynolds had left, with her elbows upon the table, and her hands propping her chin.  Her appetite had suddenly left her, and her coffee remained untasted.  The morning sun flooding the room, fell upon her hair and face, and had her lover seen her then, he would have admired her more than ever.  She was in a most thoughtful mood, and at the same time she listened intently for any sound of strife that might come from her father’s study.

At length she arose, picked up her broad-rimmed straw-hat, and went out of doors.  It was a hot morning with not a breath of wind astir.  The water was like a mirror, and the high hills were reflected in its clear depths.  It called to her now, and appealed to her as of yore, and urged her to seek comfort upon its placid bosom.