She had trusted Thirlwell and he had deceived her; her money had soon been exhausted and the journey was now being made at his expense.

She felt as if she had been robbed of something to which she had a sacred right; she had let a stranger undertake the task that was peculiarly hers.

Then she had been cheated so easily.

Thirlwell must think her a fool, or perhaps that she was willing to be deceived.
Getting calmer, she admitted that his object was good.

He wanted to help, but it was unthinkable that she should trade upon his generosity.
She resolved to talk to him about it, but he had gone into the bush to look for the best line across the neck between them and another lake.
When he came back the men were unloading the canoes and he occupied himself with making up the packs.
They had camped and eaten supper before her opportunity came, and then as they sat by the water's edge she told him what she had heard.