e
followed him with confused emotions and once or twice her eyes filled
with tears. Her father had driven these stakes; she could imagine the
thrill it gave him to feel that at length his faith and labor were
justified. His confidence had never wavered, although he had borne
mockery and contempt and the gentle ridicule of his anxious wife. Then,
when the prize he toiled for was won and he went back to enjoy it, the
river had swept him away. But after all, love had conquered the angry
flood, for he had left a clue that the rapid could not destroy.

Agatha thought Thirlwell understood something of her feelings, because
he did not talk except when he showed her the posts. When they reached
the last he said, "On the whole, I imagine your father's judgment was
good. In fact, he picked his ground like a mining engineer."

"He had twenty years to brood about the vein at home," Agatha replied.
"Are you surprised that he studied all the books on mining he could
get?"

Thirlwell made an apologetic gesture. "I oughtn't to be surprised: he
was your father, and it's obvious that you have prepared yourself to
carry on his work. Well, I think he has staked off the best of the vein;
at least, his claim covers the part that can best be reached. But you'll
have trouble with the water; it may mean driving a drainage heading and
putting up expensive pumps. The ore may be rich enough to stand the
extra cost, but I can tell you more when I have fired a shot."

They went back to the camp, where the _Metis_ had cooked supper, but
Thirlwell did not eat much and soon returned to the cliff. He took the
white rock-borer, but Agatha did not go with him. She felt chilled by
his quietness. It was now plain that, since her father had marked off
the exposed edge of the inclined lode, Thirlwell must sink a deep shaft
if he wished to reach it farther back. This, however, did not account
for his moodiness; for one thing, he had not expected that they would
find the ore. Besides, he was generous and would want her to have the
best. It would have been a comfort to give him half the claim, but he
would refuse the gift. She had meant to enjoy her triumph with him, but
this satisfaction had gone. It hurt, her to see him disturbed, but she
colored as she resolved that her success should not separate them. If he
was obstinate, something must be risked.

In the meantime, Thirlwell struck the drill his companion held. His face
was damp with sweat and the hamm