Strange had been interrupted;
the shakiness of the last few lines hinted that they had been written in
haste. There was a space between the last and the bottom of the paper.
Perhaps Driscoll had joined him and he had distrusted the man, who might
have come into the camp while he was writing. Then, when he afterwards
sealed the box, he had forgotten that he had not finished what he meant
to say; but, if the supposition were correct, this was not remarkable.
Strange might have taken some liquor with him. But Agatha must not
suspect.

"The paper states the claim was staked," she resumed. "So far as that
goes, it makes the ore mine. George must have a share, but I mean to
work the lode."

"I'm afraid it doesn't go very far," Scott remarked. "The law requires
that the discoverer stakes off the ground he is entitled to and then
registers the claim at the nearest record office. After this he must do
a certain amount of development work before he gets his patent and
becomes the owner of the mine. The claim has not been recorded yet."

"No; it has lapsed," Agatha agreed. "This means that any adult British
citizen may make a re-discovery record. Well, we must do so, as soon as
we can."

"Developing a mine is rough work for a woman."

Agatha smiled. "There's something about the discoverer being allowed to
appoint a deputy, and perhaps Mr. Thirlwell will look after my
interests. But won't you see about getting us all that he thinks
needful?"

"I'll see about it now," said Scott, who took Thirlwell away, but
stopped when they were hidden by the pines.

"Strange has given you a useful clue, but that's all," he said. "You'll
find the lode if you find the valley, but you may look for a long time."

Thirlwell made a sign of agreement. "Yes; there's something curiously
elusive about this ore."

"All the same, it's certainly worth a proper search; but you'll need a
large quantity of truck and one or two extra packers. I understand Miss
Strange insists upon everything being done at her cost. Has she money
enough?"

"I think not."

"You know she has not! Looks as if you had forgotten you showed me her
letter when she stated the sum. It's hard to see how it covers expenses
up to date."

Thirlwell looked embarrassed and Scott laughed. "You seem to have been
generous, particularly as you didn't believe in the lode; but anything
you have saved from your wages won't carry you far. Well, you can take
the truck and tools you need