CHAPTER XVII 

DRUMMOND OFFERS HELP 

It was a calm evening and Thirlwell and Scott sat outside the shack, watching the river while the sunset faded across the woods. A few _Metis_ freighters had gone to the settlements for supplies and mining tools, and although much depended on the condition of the portages, Scott expected them that night. 

"Antoine will bring up our mail," he said. "It's some time since Miss Strange has written to you about her plans." 

Thirlwell said it was nearly three months, and Scott resumed: "Well, I think if I'd had a part in the business, I'd have tried to find if the Hudson's Bay agent was alive. It's possible that he could tell you something about the location of the ore." 

"I don't know that I have any part in the business," Thirlwell replied. "I promised to go with Miss Strange, but that's all." 

"If she finds the lode, she'll need a mining engineer." 

"She'll have no trouble in engaging one if the pay is good." 

"But you wouldn't think you had first claim to the post? In fact, if you helped the girl to find the ore, you'd be satisfied to drop out and leave her alone?" 

Thirlwell frowned. He had made no plans for the future and certainly did not mean to trade upon Agatha's gratitude, but he knew it would hurt him, so to speak, to drop out and let her look for other help. 

"The lode isn't found yet," he rejoined. 

"Anyhow, I feel that the girl or you ought to have got on the agent's track," Scott insisted. "He knew where Strange went, and saw him when he returned. It's possible that Strange confused his memory by his subsequent trips, but the agent heard his story when the matter was fresh."  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. What are the names of the people that sat outside of the shack?
2. The people who sat outside of the shack went by what names?
3. 
Q2:
1. What were Thirlwell and Scott watching while they sat outside the shack?
2. What did Thirlwell and Scott watch wile they sat outside?
3. 
Q3:
1. What is the name of the person who was bringing up the mail?
2. Who was responsible for bringing the mail?
3. 
Q4:
1. How long had it been since Thirlwell and Scott had heard from Miss Strange?
2. How long had Miss Strange not been heard from by Thirlwell and Scott?
3. 
Q5:
1. What had Thirlwell promised Miss Strange?
2. What promise had Thirlwell made to Miss Strange?
3. 
Q6:
1. Who were Thirlwell and Scott unsure was still alive?
2. Thirlwell and Scott were unsure whether which person was still alive?
3. 
Q7:
1. What could the Hudson Bay agent possibly tell Thirlwell and Scott?
2. What information could the agent from Hudson Bay possibly share with Thirlwell and Scott?
3. 
Q8:
1. What will Miss Strange require should she discover ore?
2. What will Miss Strange need to find if ever she discovers ore?
3. 
Q9:
1. Will it be difficult to find a mining engineer?
2. Will a mining engineer be difficult to find?
3. 
Q10:
1. Could Thirlwell make a claim to the ore?
2. Would Thirlwell be able to make a claim to the ore should Miss Strange find any?
3. 
