So Roderick was bundled in blankets, and the race for life to Kenegami House was begun.  It was a race of which Rod could only guess the import, for he did not know that Death was running a fierce pursuit behind.  Many days and nights of delirium followed.  One morning he seemed to awaken from a terrible dream, in which he was constantly burning and roasting, and when he opened his eyes he knew for the first time that it was Minnetaki who sat close beside him, and that it was her hand that was gently stroking his forehead.  From that day on he gained strength rapidly, but it was a month before he could sit up, and another two weeks before he could stand.  And so it happened that it was full two months after he had made his assertion in the old cabin before Rod was in good health again.

One day Minnetaki had a tremendous surprise in store for him.  Rod had never seen her look quite so pretty, or quite so timid, as she did on this particular morning.

“Will you forgive me for—­for—­keeping something from you, Rod?” she asked.  She did not wait for the boy’s reply, but went on.  “When you were so sick, and we thought you might die, I wrote to your mother and we sent the letter down by a special sledge.  And—­and—­oh, Rod, I just can’t keep it in any longer, no matter if you do scold me!  Your mother has come—­and she is at Wabinosh House now!”

For a moment Rod stood like one struck dumb.  Then he found his voice in a series of war-whoops which quickly brought Wabi in, only to see his friend dancing around Minnetaki like one gone crazy.

“Forgive you!” he shouted again and again.  “Minnetaki, you’re a brick—­you certainly are a brick!”

As soon as Wabi was made acquainted with the cause of Roderick’s excitement he also joined in the other’s wild rejoicing, and their antics startled half the house of Kenegami.  Mukoki shared their joy, and Wabi hugged and kissed his sister until her pretty face was like a wild rose.

“Hurrah!” shouted Wabi for the twentieth time.  “That means we start on our hunt for the lost gold-mine within a fortnight!”

“It means—­” began Roderick.

“It means—­” interrupted Minnetaki, “it means that you’re all happy but me—­and I’m glad for Rod’s sake, and I want to know his mother.  But you’re all going—­and I’m to be left behind!”

There was no laughter in her voice, and Rod and Wabigoon became suddenly quiet as she turned away.

“I’m sorry,” said Wabi.  “But—­we can’t help it.”

Mukoki broke the tension.

“How bright the sun shine!” he exclaimed.  “Snow an’ ice go.  Spring—­heem here!”

CHAPTER VII

ON THE TRAIL OF GOLD