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His mother had held a leading place in the exclusive society of a quiet cathedral town, until her husband lost his small fortune. Mrs. Allott understood that something might have been saved had Tom Thirlwell been less scrupulous; but Tom had unconventional views about money, and Jim was like his father in many ways. Mrs.
Father Lucien said nothing, but looked at him with a quiet smile, and Thirlwell resumed: "Well, there was a man; a white man. But the thing's not to be understood. He knew you were starving and stole away! Then where did he come from? There's no white man except Driscoll between the Hudson's Bay post and the mine, and you saved Driscoll's life."
For all that, he's stubborn, and if he has an object, he'll persist until he carries it out." "But what object has he got?" Scott made a vague gesture. "I can't tell you that. Hadn't you better get out the plates? I want some food." Thirlwell put a frying-pan on the stove and they talked about something else.
Agatha took the single-bladed paddle and although her hands were sore made some progress while he instructed her. After a time she stopped and let the canoe drift in the hot sunshine. "I think you'd soon make a good voyageur," Thirlwell remarked. "For one thing, you're determined; I saw you wince once or twice and imagine the paddle-haft hurt."
"I think not." "You know she has not! Looks as if you had forgotten you showed me her letter when she stated the sum. It's hard to see how it covers expenses up to date." Thirlwell looked embarrassed and Scott laughed. "You seem to have been generous, particularly as you didn't believe in the lode; but anything you have saved from your wages won't carry you far.
How are you going to put it over when Thirlwell holds the claims?" "They won't be worth much after I get to work. Going to law's expensive and Thirlwell can't stand up to the men who are backing me. He'll be glad to sell out at our price when we put the screw to him." This was illuminating to Thirlwell, since it justified his fears.
In the meantime, some of the people are sending up a mining expert, and if they're satisfied with his opinion they'll give us the money." "I suppose it's a good arrangement," said Agatha. "But before I agree you must send the draft to Thirlwell." "It might mean some delay. However, I expect he'll come down from the mine to meet the expert, and if you insist " "I do insist," said Agatha.
The opposite slope was in shadow, but the slanting sunbeams touched a belt of fresh growth that glowed a vivid green against the somber color of the surrounding trees. "That," said Thirlwell, "is, no doubt, where the rampikes stood. They've gone, and young willows have sprung up. Yonder's the low cliff. It looks as if we had arrived!" Agatha stopped for a few moments and felt her heart beat.
On the journey he had encouraged the party with humorous banter, and made a joke of their difficulties; now he was quiet and reserved. When they had gone Thirlwell sat down and lighted his pipe, for he knew he must grapple with his trouble before it mastered him. Looking back, he saw that he had been strangely pleased by Agatha's letters, and when he met her had at once felt her charm.
Compass bearings, calculated distances, and landmarks were given next, and then the writing stopped an inch or two from the bottom of the sheet. "Your father found the lode," Thirlwell said, very quietly. Agatha looked up with a curious smile. "Yes; I feel as if he had sent me this. I have come into my inheritance and it is easier than I thought!"
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