r, and if you would sooner be businesslike--"

"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. Thir