“You mean you were afraid I’d get after you about your crank notion of finding the old man’s lode?  As you haven’t talked about it for some time, I’d begun to hope you had given that folly up.  Are you going?”

“Some time; I may go very soon.  Perhaps I shall know to-night.”

“Then I’ll wait,” George said grimly.  “If you get a message from the miner fellow, I may have some remarks to make!”

Farnam began to talk about the fruit crop, and it was half an hour later when Agatha heard a rattle of wheels.  Then a rig lurched along the uneven road in a cloud of dust and soon after it vanished among the trees Farnam’s hired man walked up to the veranda.

“A wire for Miss Strange!  There was no mail,” he said.

Agatha’s nerve tingled as she opened the envelope, and then the restless feeling left her and she felt very calm.  The telegram was from Thirlwell, who stated where he would meet her and that the sum she named would be enough.  This was a relief, because she had insisted that the journey should be made at her cost and traveling is expensive in the wilds.

One needed tents, clothes, and prospecting tools; canoes must be bought and experienced voyageurs engaged, since the craft and stores would have to be carried across rugged divides.  Agatha had for a long time practised stern economy, doubting if her savings would cover the expense, and now when she had met all demands she would have very few dollars left.  This did not matter; the money would go round, and she felt recklessly satisfied.  After a moment or two she gave the telegram to George.

“I start in three days!”

George said nothing, although his face got red, and Agatha studied him with sympathetic amusement.  It was obvious that he was using some self-control while he mustered his forces for an attack.  He had begun to get fat and looked rather aggressively prosperous.  In fact, George was a typical business man and it was ridiculous to think he could understand.

“But what about your clothes?” Mrs. Farnam asked.  “You must have a special outfit for the bush.”

“They’re all bought!  Before I left Toronto I ordered what I would need to be got ready and properly packed.  The things will be sent as soon as the people get my telegram.  You see, I’ve been thinking about my outfit.  One can’t take much when it must be carried across the portages.”

George frowned savagely.  “You ought to know my sister, Mrs. Farnam!  When she undertakes a job she leaves nothing to chance, and I guess she’s had it all fixed some time since.”  He turned to Agatha.  “I’ve got to relieve my feelings, if I do nothing else!  Well, I suppose you understand what this adventure means?  Unless you get back before the new term begins, you’ll lose your post, and you take steep chances of ruining your health.  You’re not used to sleeping on wet ground and going without food.  Then you’ll have to live with half-tamed voyageurs and perhaps help them track the canoes.  They’ll upset you in the rapids and the bush will tear your clothes.  I hate to think of my sister going about, draggled and ragged, with a bunch of strange men.  But that, while bad enough, is certainly not the worst!”