"I don't know if it's wise to over-work yourself for the advantage of your pupils," Thirlwell remarked. "At one time, I was very keen about my profession, but soon found it a mistake to tire my brain for my employer's benefit. But what do you study?"
"Science; chemistry and geology, but not in order to teach the girls."
"Well, I suppose knowledge is worth getting for its own sake. Anyhow, I thought so, but you learn when you undertake rude mining that the main thing is to be able to make a practical use of what you know. In fact, that's often better than knowing much."
"Perhaps so," Agatha agreed. "Some day I hope to make a good use of what I have learned."
"About canoeing, or geology?"
"About both," said Agatha. "Now, however, I think we'll make for the landing. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Thirlwell saw no more of her during the day, but she came down to the beach in the evening and he gave her another lesson. As they paddled home he thought she looked tired, and asked: "Where have you been since morning?"
Agatha indicated a ridge of high ground with a few pines on its summit that rose indistinctly at some distance across the shadowy forest.
"I took my lunch with me and went up there."
"But it must be a two or three hours' walk. Is there a trail?"