he might be followed, he would watch the bush along the edge of
the lake, and he advanced cautiously, moving from trunk to trunk. A
thicket of wild-berries grew near the water, and stealing up behind it,
he stopped and crouched down. Drummond was perhaps a dozen yards off,
and stood, holding a fishing-rod, while Stormont sat on a fallen log
opposite. Thirlwell clenched his fist and listened. He could hear them
talk.

"How'd you know you'd find me here?" Drummond asked.

"I didn't know," said Stormont; "it was good luck. I wanted to find out
if Thirlwell had finished the canoes. One can see into your camp from
the top of the high ground, and I've brought good glasses."

It was plain that Drummond had not gone to meet the fellow, and
Thirlwell saw that he had, to some extent, misjudged the lad. For all
that, Drummond had reached the spot a few minutes before he did, and
something had obviously been said in the meantime. If possible, he must
find out what they had talked about.

"Take a smoke; this is a pretty good cigar," Stormont resumed. "You'll
let a soft snap go if you don't do what I want."

"You put me on to a soft snap before," Drummond remarked with a touch of
scorn.

"I think you got fifty dollars--for nothing. Anyhow, I want you and I'm
willing to pay in advance."

"With a cheque that can be stopped!"

Stormont laughed. "No. I don't pay for this kind of job by cheque. You
can have it in bills; I've got a wad in my pocket. Better take your
money now than trust Thirlwell to let you in when he makes good his
claim; but if you like, I'll give you some stock when we float our
company."

"I'll take the bills," said Drummond in a meaning tone. "But you want to
put it high."

Thirlwell found it hard to control his anger. Drummond had professed
some liking for him and had made no secret of his devotion to Agatha,
but now he was coolly bargaining with her antagonist. It looked as if he
was willing to betray her if he could get a good price. For all that,
Thirlwell saw that he must find out the plot and lay still behind the
thicket, watching the lad. Drummond's pose was easy and his voice was
calm. He had not lighted the cigar Stormont gave him, and now and then
twisted it round carelessly.

"Very well," Stormont resumed. "As I've got to bid against Thirlwell,
I'll risk five hundred dollars: two hundred and fifty now. Then, as soon
as we make a good start, you can have a job in the company's office."

"Oh,