urprised by his unexpected return. Few stories could have
been more thrilling than his, though he told it in the simplest manner
possible. Rod's appearance more than his words was evidence of
the trials he and his companions had passed through. His face was
emaciated to startling thinness by desperate exertion and lack of
sleep, and both his face and his hands were covered with scratches and
bruises. Not until late in the afternoon did he go to bed, and it was
noon the following day when he awoke from his heavy slumber.

The canoes had returned, and John Ball was in the doctor's care. At
dinner Rod and Wabi were made to go over their adventures again, and
even Mukoki, who had joined them in this reunion, was not allowed to
escape the endless questioning of Minnetaki, the factor's wife, and
Rod's mother. Rod was seated at the table between Mrs. Drew and
Minnetaki. Several times during the conversation he felt the young
girl's hand touch his arm. Once, when the factor spoke about their
return to the gold in the cavern, this mysterious signaling of
Minnetaki's took the form of a pinch that made him squirm. Not until
after dinner, and the two were alone, did he begin to comprehend.

"I'm ashamed of you, Roderick Drew!" said the girl, standing before
him in mock displeasure. "You and Wabi were the stupidest things I
ever saw at dinner! Have you all forgotten your promise to me?--your
promise that I should go with you on your next trip? I wanted you to
speak about it right there at dinner!"

"But I--I--couldn't!" stammered Rod awkwardly.

"But I'm going!" said Minnetaki decisively. "I'm going with you boys
on this next trip--if I have to run away! It's not fair for Wabi and
Mukoki and you to leave me alone all of the time. And, besides, I've
been making all the arrangements while you were gone. I've won over
mamma and your mother, and Maballa, mamma's Indian woman, will go with
me. There's just one who says--'No!'" And Minnetaki clasped her hands
pathetically.

"And that's papa," completed Rod, laughing.

"Yes."

"Well, if he is the only one against us we stand a good chance of
winning."

"I'm going to have mamma and Wabigoon get him by themselves to-night,"
said the girl. "Papa will do anything on earth for her, and he thinks
Wabi is the best boy on earth. Mamma says she will lock the door and
won't let him out until he has given his promise. Oh, what a glorious
time we'll have!"

"Perhaps he would go with us," s