Farnam presently went after him, and Mrs. Farnam put her hand on Agatha’s arm.

“My dear, you have pluck, but you have chosen a hard road and given your friends a jar.  But we are your friends; don’t forget that!”

Agatha smiled gratefully, though she found it difficult.  “I didn’t really choose.  Sometimes I was afraid; but I knew I had to go.”

“Very well,” said Mrs. Farnam.  “We won’t talk about it.  Tell me about your clothes.”

Next day George left the homestead and Agatha walked across the orchard with him while Farnam harnessed his team.  When a rattle of wheels warned them that the rig was coming George stopped and said, “This trip will cost you something and your pay’s not high.  How much do you reckon to have left when you get back?”

“About ten dollars,” Agatha answered with a twinkle.

“I knew you had grit.  But I want you to understand!  I wouldn’t give you five cents to help you find the lode, but you’ll go broke on ten dollars long before your next pay’s due.  Better take this; it may help you out.”

Agatha took the envelope, but as she began to open it the rig stopped at the gate, and George put his hand on her shoulder.

“We mustn’t keep Farnam; wait until I’ve gone,” he said and kissed her.  “I’m not going to wish you good luck, but if you have trouble with the school people when you get back, come along and stop with Florence.  I’ll interview the managers, and, if needful, find you another job.”

He hurried off, and when the rattle of wheels died away Agatha opened the envelope and found a check for a hundred dollars.  She felt moved, but smiled.  The gift was generous, but the way he had made it was very like George.

Three days afterwards, Farnam and his wife drove her to the railroad and she felt a pang at leaving them when the cars rolled in.  The excitement of starting, however, helped her over an awkward few minutes, and she found a girl on the train who wanted to talk.  Besides, it was evening, and after an hour or two the colored porter lighted the lamps and told her her berth was ready.  She slept well, for it was too late to give way to misgivings now, and soon after she rose next morning the train stopped at the station where she must get down.

The conductor threw her baggage out upon the line.  The locomotive bell tolled, the cars went on, and Agatha’s heart sank as she glanced about.  It was early morning and thin mist drifted among the pines.  There was no platform, but a small wooden shack with an iron roof stood beside the rails, which ran into the forest a hundred yards off.  The agent, after gruffly asking for her checks, vanished into his office and banged the door.  There was nobody else about, and the place was very quiet except for the murmur of running water.