CHAPTER XXIV 

AGATHA RESUMES HER JOURNEY 

There was silence for a minute or two after Agatha had spoken, and then Father Lucien said, "Now we know what Driscoll looked for. Few secrets can be kept." 

Thirlwell gave him a warning glance that Agatha did not note. She was gazing across the river, her face towards the North, as if she had forgotten the others, but she presently roused herself. 

"Can we start to-morrow?" she asked. 

"No," said Thirlwell firmly, "you must rest for two or three days, and there are a number of things to be got." 

"I don't think I can rest until I have seen the lode." 

"You will have to try. It may be some time yet before we find the spot. For one thing, the directions aren't complete. You see they stop--" 

Agatha took the paper. "Yes; I hadn't noticed that. It begins very clearly and then breaks off. I wonder why." 

Thirlwell said nothing. It looked as if Strange had been interrupted; the shakiness of the last few lines hinted that they had been written in haste. There was a space between the last and the bottom of the paper. Perhaps Driscoll had joined him and he had distrusted the man, who might have come into the camp while he was writing. Then, when he afterwards sealed the box, he had forgotten that he had not finished what he meant to say; but, if the supposition were correct, this was not remarkable. Strange might have taken some liquor with him. But Agatha must not suspect. 
Who was Agatha with? What had they received? From whom? Where does Agatha want to go? When? What do they say about it? Why? What is her response? What was funny about the note? What do they want to keep from her? What does she want to see? Where was she looking? Will they have a hard time? Why?
Father Lucien and Thirwell. A note. Driscoll. To see the lode. Tomorrow. No, She needs to rest for two or three days. I don't think I can rest until I have seen the lode. The shakiness of the last few lines Strange might have taken some liquor with him. The lode. Across the river, Yes. The directions aren't complete.