George clenched his fist. "If you're turned out, people will talk. I'll engage to stop the men, but the women are dangerous and I can't get after them. For my sake, drop your fool plan!"
"I can't. I know the risks, but I must go on."
"Well," said George with a gesture of helpless indignation, "I allow I'm beaten and there's not much comfort in feeling I've done my duty! I didn't expect you'd bother about my views when I began. Looks as if we gave young women a dangerous freedom."
"Women have won their freedom; you didn't give it," Mrs. Farnam rejoined, and then turned to Agatha. "After all, something depends on the man's character. You haven't told us much about Mr. Thirlwell!"
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.