as much before."

Agatha gave him a calm glance and saw he had not meant her to read a
sentimental meaning in his admission. It was unconscious flattery and
she was pleased.

"I can understand. One values the days of liberty when they are gone!
But do you feel daunted by the thought of the work and hardship that
waits you in the North?"

"Not in a way. Now and then you shrink from the arctic winter, but in
summer, in spite of the mosquitoes, the bush gets hold of you. Sometimes
you hate the solitude; but when you leave it you long to return."

"Ah," said Agatha, "I have not seen the wilderness, but next summer I
hope to make an exploring trip."

"But where?"

"To the Shadow River and on into the Territories," she answered quietly.
Thirlwell looked hard at her, and she smiled. "Yes; if things go well
with me, I mean to look for the silver ore."

"Now I begin to understand! This is why you wanted to learn to manage a
canoe and train yourself to walking through the bush. But it's a
ridiculous undertaking. Your father, who found it, could not locate the
ore again."

"I may be luckier. Luck counts for something when you go prospecting,
doesn't it?"