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
unde