They agreed without much enthusiasm.  Now they had reached their object, a reaction had begun, and Agatha was sensible of a curious flatness.  She knew that Drummond and the rock-borer could do nothing with their claims except sell them to somebody who could supply the money to develop the mines; but before they started Thirlwell had outlined a plan by which the holdings might be consolidated and worked together.  The men had approved and promised to give her what Thirlwell called an option, if it seemed worth while to do the work required before the patents would be granted.

When the fumes had cleared they went with him to the cliff and he came back with a heavy bag.  It was dark, but the firelight shone about him as he poured out the stones he had brought and gave her one or two.

“The stuff looks as good as the specimens we have,” he said quietly.

Agatha agreed as she weighed the pieces, but her eyes were fixed on his face.  He looked stern, but forced a smile—­

“Your father was not deceived, and what he left unfinished you can make good.  I think you are going to be rich.”

“If so, I owe it all to you.”

He shook his head.  “You might have found the lode without me, but I expect you’re tired and you ought to sleep well to-night.  I must begin at daybreak.  The sooner we start back to record the ground we claim, the better.”

“Then good-night,” she said quietly, but when she moved away through the shadow her face was resolute.

CHAPTER XXVII

THIRLWELL’S DULLNESS

Soon after daybreak, Thirlwell, Drummond, and the rock-borer pushed their way through the woods behind the cliff.  The vein dipped and in consequence the farther one went back from the creek, the greater would be the cost of reaching the ore.  Besides, it was possible that the ore pinched out and the uncovered part was an unusually rich pocket.  His companions had agreed that he should have the next best location after Agatha’s, and followed his advice about staking their claims.  The half-breeds had, however, declined to exercise their rights; they were trappers and voyageurs, and stated that they had no use for mines.

Thirlwell thought there was no more ground worth recording, and doubted, for that matter, if his and the others’ claims were worth much, but it was prudent to keep intruders out.  Disputes often rose about the application of the mining laws, and it might be dangerous to have a rich and unscrupulous antagonist.  His companions went away feeling puzzled by his coolness.  On the journey he had encouraged the party with humorous banter, and made a joke of their difficulties; now he was quiet and reserved.

When they had gone Thirlwell sat down and lighted his pipe, for he knew he must grapple with his trouble before it mastered him.  Looking back, he saw that he had been strangely pleased by Agatha’s letters, and when he met her had at once felt her charm.  This, however, was all; he frankly enjoyed her society and thought she liked his, but he was not romantic and was satisfied that they should drift into a close and confidential friendship.  It was obvious now that he had been remarkably dull; Scott had seen how things were going.