ent chemists and learn something
from their talk. In fact, the visit ought to be of help in many ways,
and, if you afterwards left my employment, make it easy for you to get
another post."

Agatha struggled for calm. He had rather understated than exaggerated
the reasons why she ought to go. Then Toronto and Montreal were the only
cities she knew, and she was offered a chance of seeing some of the
capitals of Europe, with their treasures of art, and meeting men who had
made famous scientific discoveries. It would help her more than many
certificates if later on she resumed her work of teaching.

"Ah," she said in a strained voice, "please don't try to show me all
that I shall miss! I want to go so very much, but it's impossible. If I
went, I should neglect a duty that has a stronger claim."

He bowed. "Then, although I'm sorry, there's nothing to be said. Would
it be an impertinence if I asked about the duty?"

Agatha was silent for a moment or two. Her refusal had cost her much;
indeed, she was afraid to think what she had lost and felt she must do
something to banish the crushing sense of disappointment.

"No," she said impulsively; "I cannot resent anything you ask. I must
start North soon to look for a vein of ore my father told me about, I'm
forced to make the search, but it would be a long story if I told you
why." She hesitated and then went on: "I wonder whether you would look
at this analysis and tell me what you think--I mean if you think there
is ore of that kind on the Northern slope of the Ontario watershed."

He took the paper she had long carried about and studied it for a time.
Then he said: "It is not the ore a practical miner would expect to
strike, but practical miners are sometimes deceived. As a rule, they
know more about shafts and adits than scientific geology."

"Would _you_ expect to find the ore where I have told you?"

"Well," he said thoughtfully, "the Laurentian rocks are very old, and
our miners have so far dealt with newer formations. On the whole, I
think it possible that ore like this has been forced up from unusual
depths."

"But would the silver be easily refined?"

He smiled. "There would be no trouble about its reduction. If you can
locate the vein, you will be rich."

Agatha thanked him and went out, feeling somewhat comforted. She had
given up much, but she saw a ray of light in the gloom ahead. The way
she had chosen was difficult, but after all it was the right way, a