The party had obviously left the water for a time, because their track led away from the creek in the valley and the bush was too thick to permit the portaging of canoes. Thirlwell followed the trail until he satisfied himself that they were going east, and then went back to his camp. Finding Agatha at the water's edge he sat down opposite.
"I'm afraid you didn't get much breakfast, but I didn't want the fire lighted," he said, and told her what he had seen.
"Ah!" she cried. "Do you think Stormont is looking for the ore?"
"I think so; I'm not certain."
"But he failed to find it once and nearly starved."
Thirlwell smiled. "I understand the fellow's obstinate. He may have got a fresh clue or found out something we don't know."
"Do you think he has been following us?"
"I don't. If he'd known we were in the neighborhood, he would not have lighted a fire."
"After all," said Agatha thoughtfully, "my father stated that he had staked the claim."
"I'm afraid that doesn't count for much. You're not recognized as prospective owner until your record's filed. I imagine your father's statement would carry some weight, but going to law about a mine is generally an expensive job, and it's hard to put up a good fight against a man with capital."