“I’m afraid I’m very unbusinesslike,” he replied with some grimness.  “However, if Scott is willing, I’ll help you to develop the mine and get your patent; but I think it would be prudent to let him join us.  You may have some trouble to get the money we will need; then he’s straight and a very good sort.”

“But what will you do when the patent’s granted?”

“We can talk about that later.  It will be some time before the mine is yours, and I’m not certain that we have heard the last of Stormont.”

“Very well,” said Agatha.  “I like Mr. Scott and feel I can trust him because he is your friend.  Do what you think best; I leave it all to you.”

She went away with very mixed feelings, and was glad to reach the shelter of the woods.  Her face was hot and her nerves were jarred, but when she got calmer she laughed—­a rather strained laugh.  It was a lover she wanted, not a manager, and unless Thirlwell was strangely dull she had been firmly repulsed.  She hoped he was dull, but it seemed impossible that he had not understood.  Then it was significant that he had shown some strain and she found comfort in this.  After all, the line he took had cost him much and his obstinacy might break down.

Besides, when one looked at it dispassionately, the situation was humorous.  She had engaged Thirlwell for her manager, but nothing had been said about his wages, which she could not pay; for that matter, she was in his debt.  Although she was the prospective owner of a valuable mine, she had only a few dollars left of the money George had given her; hardly enough, in fact, to pay for a week’s board when she reached Toronto.  Her post there had, no doubt, been filled.

The ore was rich, but might get poor, and she knew enough about mining to realize the difficulties that must yet be overcome.  Getting the money she would need for the preliminary work was perhaps the worst; and if the money could be raised, it would be a long time before she could look for much return.  Still she was not alone; Thirlwell had promised to help and she knew he would not fail her.  She meant to let him help, not because she wanted to get rich, but because she really knew what had influenced him, and suspected that he was not as strong as he thought.

For all that, she kept out of his way as much as possible while they camped by the creek, although she was careful to talk with easy friendliness when they met at meals.  Thirlwell, however, was generally occupied, and when he had made a rough survey of the claims they started south.  The loads were light now and he forced the pace because he was anxious, and felt responsible.  There was another prospecting party, with an unscrupulous leader, not far off, and one’s title to a mineral claim is open to dispute until the record is filed.  Although Agatha’s prosperity would be his loss, he meant to run no risk.  He was her manager and must justify her trust.