For a moment Rod stood like one struck dumb. Then he found his voice
in a series of war-whoops which quickly brought Wabi in, only to see
his friend dancing around Minnetaki like one gone crazy.

"Forgive you!" he shouted again and again. "Minnetaki, you're a
brick--you certainly are a brick!"

As soon as Wabi was made acquainted with the cause of Roderick's
excitement he also joined in the other's wild rejoicing, and their
antics startled half the house of Kenegami. Mukoki shared their joy,
and Wabi hugged and kissed his sister until her pretty face was like a
wild rose.

"Hurrah!" shouted Wabi for the twentieth time. "That means we start on
our hunt for the lost gold-mine within a fortnight!"

"It means--" began Roderick.

"It means--" interrupted Minnetaki, "it means that you're all happy
but me--and I'm glad for Rod's sake, and I want to know his mother.
But you're all going--and I'm to be left behind!"

There was no laughter in her voice, and Rod and Wabigoon became
suddenly quiet as she turned away.

"I'm sorry," said Wabi. "But--we can't help it."

Mukoki broke the tension.