After breakfast the next morning, Blake and Harding sat on the veranda talking to the farmer. When they mentioned their first objective point, and asked if he could give them any directions for reaching it, he looked thoughtful.
“I only know that it’s remarkably rough country; thick pine bush on rolling ground, with some bad muskegs and small lakes,” he said. “You would find things easier if you could hire an Indian or two, and a canoe when you strike the river. The boys here seldom go up so far; but Clarke could help you if he liked. He knows that country like a book, and he knows the Indians.”
“We’re willing to pay him for any useful help,” Harding said.
“Be careful,” cautioned the farmer. “If you’re on a prospecting trip, keep your secret close. There’s another bit of advice I might
