“The summer she is good,” a Metis remarked.  “Me, I lak’ better make the prospect than the freight. Chercher l’argent, c’est le bo’ jeu!”

“We haven’t struck much argent yet,” said the white miner.  “I wonder what the boss thinks and guess he’s up against something.  Walked past at an awkward piece on the last portage as if he didn’t see me, with his forehead wrinkled up.  Seen him look like that when he reckoned the roof was coming down on us.”

Agatha’s curiosity was excited, because she thought she had noted a subtle difference in Thirlwell’s manner.  There was a hint of reserve, and sometimes he looked disturbed.  Then Drummond interrupted his companion.

“You can’t tell what the boss thinks when he doesn’t want, and we’re certainly going to find the lode.”

“I’d like to see you strike it all right, because if you don’t, you’re going to be some dollars out,” the miner replied.  “Don’t know who’s paying for this outfit, but I’d put it pretty high.”

“What d’you reckon it cost?” Drummond asked.

The miner made a calculation and Agatha listened with strained interest as he enumerated the different items.

“Well,” said Drummond, “I can’t value the tools and powder, but allowing for transport, you’ve got the stores nearly right.  Anyhow, I’m going swimming.  If Pierre will give me ten yards, I’ll race him to the island.”

They went away and Agatha sat still with a hot face.  She had trusted Thirlwell and he had deceived her; her money had soon been exhausted and the journey was now being made at his expense.  She felt as if she had been robbed of something to which she had a sacred right; she had let a stranger undertake the task that was peculiarly hers.  Then she had been cheated so easily.  Thirlwell must think her a fool, or perhaps that she was willing to be deceived.

Getting calmer, she admitted that his object was good.  He wanted to help, but it was unthinkable that she should trade upon his generosity.  She resolved to talk to him about it, but he had gone into the bush to look for the best line across the neck between them and another lake.  When he came back the men were unloading the canoes and he occupied himself with making up the packs.

They had camped and eaten supper before her opportunity came, and then as they sat by the water’s edge she told him what she had heard.  He listened quietly until she asked:  “Was the man’s calculation correct?”

“Nearly so.  He was rather above the mark.”

“Then I am in your debt?”

“Does that hurt?”

“Yes,” said Agatha, with some hesitation, “in a way, it hurts very much.  I don’t mean that it’s embarrassing to take your help, though it is embarrassing.  You see, I felt I must find the lode myself; it’s my duty, and you have taken away the satisfaction I might have felt.  Besides, you cheated me.”

Thirlwell was silent for a few moments, and then said:  “I’m sorry you find it hard to let me help, but unless I had done so you couldn’t have gone far.”