propositions. You can give me all the information you have about the
ore, and, if I think it worth while, I will bear the cost of prospecting
and development, and give you a large share of the profits when the
mine is worked. Or I'll pay you a fixed sum for the letters and any
clues you can supply."

"After you have read the letters?"

"Certainly. You can't expect me to make a plunge of this kind in the
dark. Anyhow, if you decide on the first plan, you will be a partner and
have some control. It's plain that you will benefit by my experience."

For a few moments Agatha was tempted to agree. She needed help and could
not begin the search for some time, while a man who knew all about
mining could undertake it with a better chance of success. Still she saw
that much depended on the man's honesty, and she had no grounds for
trusting Stormont.

"Can you give me two or three weeks?" she asked. "I want to consult my
friends."

"The delay might upset my plans. For one thing, it would be necessary to
get as much work as possible done before the thaw comes. Prospecting is
difficult in winter, but it's considerably easier traveling when the
rivers are frozen, and first of all we want to find the spot. I daresay
you could give me some landmarks that would help us."

Agatha hesitated. Strange had often described the neighborhood where he
had found the ore, and she saw that what she knew about it might be
important. Stormont's explanation of his anxiety to begin the search was