Thirlwell ordered the _Metis_ to use nothing but dry driftwood, which makes little smoke, for the fire, and when they rested after a meal found Drummond sitting alone outside the camp.

He looked moody and his eyes were fixed on the height of land.
"Feeling bothered about something ?" Thirlwell asked.
"Yes," said Drummond.

"I'm trying to get back all the old man told me about Strange's tale.

He only talked about it once, when he was sick.
Looks as if he hadn't thought the lode a business proposition, and I didn't _then_.

Besides, I was anxious and didn't listen much.