Where Rod had made out only three letters there were now plainly discernible the two words "third waterfall," and very near to these was the word "cabin." Below them were several lines, clearly impressed in the birch film.

Slowly, his voice trembling, Rod read them to his companions.
"We, John Ball, Henri Langlois, and Peter Plante, having discovered gold at this fall, do hereby agree to joint partnership in the same, and do pledge ourselves to forget our past differences and work in mutual good will and honesty, so help us God.

Signed, "JOHN BALL, HENRI LANGLOIS, PETER PLANTE." At the very top of the map the impression of several other words caught Rod's eyes.

They were more indistinct than any of the others, but one by one he made them out.

A hot blurring film seemed to fall over his eyes and he felt as though his heart had suddenly come up into his throat.
Wabi's breath was burning against his cheek, and it was Wabi who spoke the words aloud.
"Cabin and head of chasm." Rod went back to the table and sat down, the precious bit of birch-bark under his hand.