Presently she turned to her father. "How long shall we stay here?" she
said.

"I don't know," said Deringham. "It depends upon the Canadian, and in
the meanwhile I am picking up a good deal of useful information about
the mineral resources of this country. Alton of Somasco seems to be a
somewhat intelligent man."

"Yes," said the girl thoughtfully. "It is a little difficult to
dislike him."

"I," said her father, smiling, "do not know that there is any great
necessity, or notice signs of a marked endeavour on your part to do so."

The girl glanced at him inquiringly. "You mean?" said she.

"Nothing," said Deringham. "Only the Canadian is also a man. Well, we
shall be going on to Vancouver presently."

The girl laughed a little. "That is incontrovertible," she said. "Why
not go on now?"

"There are reasons," said Deringham somewhat gravely. "For one thing I
hope to be in a position shortly to make terms with him."

"But Carnaby is his," said the girl.

"Yes," said Deringham, "unless he gives it up."

His daughter appeared thoughtful. "I scarcely think he will!"