lwell!"

Agatha did not reply and George said grudgingly: "In a sense, the
fellow's all right. I made some inquiries and must admit that I was
satisfied with what I learned."

"You both take it for granted that Agatha will not locate the vein,"
Farnam interposed. "Since Thirlwell manages a mine, he must know
something about prospecting, and if he reckons the chances are pretty
good--"

"Mr. Thirlwell does not really believe I will find the ore," Agatha
said with incautious frankness.

George laughed ironically and Farnam looked surprised, while his wife
asked: "Then why is he going?"

Agatha felt embarrassed. "I don't know--He made me promise I would let
him come. I think prospecting has a charm for miners--"

She stopped as she saw Mrs. Farnam's smile, but it was some relief to
note that George did not seem to remark her hesitation.

"Well," he said, "your statement's, so to speak, the climax! The only
person who knows anything about the matter thinks you won't find the
vein! The blamed proposition's ridiculous from the beginning." He got up
and filled his pipe with an unsteady hand. "I'm too mad to sit still.
Guess I'll walk round the orchard and take a smoke."

Farnam presently went after him, and Mrs. Farnam put her hand on
Agatha's arm.

"My dear, you have pluck, but you have chosen a hard road and given your
friends a jar. But we are your friends; don't forget that!"

Agatha smiled gratefully, though she found it difficult. "I didn't
really choose. Sometimes I was afraid; but I knew I had to go."

"Very well," said Mrs. Farnam. "We won't talk about it. Tell me about
your clothes."

Next day George left the homestead and Agatha walked across the orchard
with him while Farnam harnessed his team. When a rattle of wheels warned
them that the rig was coming George stopped and said, "This trip will
cost you something and your pay's not high. How much do you reckon to
have left when you get back?"

"About ten dollars," Agatha answered with a twinkle.

"I knew you had grit. But I want you to understand! I wouldn't give you
five cents to help you find the lode, but you'll go broke on ten dollars
long before your next pay's due. Better take this; it may help you out."

Agatha took the envelope, but as she began to open it the rig stopped at
the gate, and George put his hand on her shoulder.

"We mustn't keep Farnam; wait until I've gone," he said and kissed her.
"I'm not going to wish you good luck, but