ill be justified."

Thirlwell said nothing for a minute or two; he saw that she was resolute
and was moved by her staunch loyalty. After all, Strange's story was not
uncommon; Thirlwell had known men leave work and home to follow an
elusive clue to mineral treasure in the barren solitudes. Some had come
back broken in fortune and courage, and some had not come back at all.
Then while he mused the harsh cry of the loon rang through the dark. It
fired his blood, and unconsciously he fixed his eyes on the North, for
in summer the birds of the lakes and rivers push on towards the Pole. He
had done his duty and tried to persuade the girl, but after all she was
stronger and finer than Strange. It was possible that she might succeed,
and he could help.

"When you go I hope you will let me come," he said. "We have the tools
and outfit one needs for prospecting at the mine, and I could get the
packers and canoes."

"But you don't believe I shall find the lode. Why do you want to come?"

"I know the bush," Thirlwell answered with a smile. "So far I've been
prudent and stuck to my job, but I've felt the pull of the lone trail
like other men. In fact, I'd rather like to do something rash, for a
change."

"Have you never done anything rash?"

"Only once, I think. It needed all my pluck; but the curious thing is
that it's now turning out better than I hoped."

Agatha pondered and then looked up. "It would be an advantage to have
somebody I could trust to look after the packers and canoes; but the
journey must be made at my cost. I couldn't let another undertake my
duty."

"Then I may come? It's a promise?"

"Yes," said Agatha quietly; "when I am ready I will let you know. Now,
however, we must get back to the hotel."

Thirlwell dipped the paddle, the canoe lurched, and her bow rose at his
next vigorous stroke. The ripples she threw off widened into a
fan-shaped wake that trailed away and was lost in a glitter of
moonlight. The black pines on the point rose higher, resinous smells
came out of the dark, and presently a row of lights twinkled ahead.
Thirlwell ran the canoe alongside the landing and when they reached the
veranda Agatha gave him her hand.

"You start early, I think," she said. "I have much to thank you for and
am glad we have met."

He let her go and afterwards leaned against the rails. She had made him
a promise and when they next met it would be beside a river of the
North. But this was twelve months ahe