Although Agatha's prosperity would be his loss, he meant to run no risk.

He was her manager and must justify her trust.
When they reached the lake he found there would be some delay.

They had covered the canoes with branches, but the pine-needles had withered off and the hot sun had opened the seams.

Some of the thin planks were badly split, one had sprung away from its fastenings, and it would take a few days to repair the damage without proper tools.

The caulking composition he had brought would not go round, and he had to send the _Metis_ into the bush to look for gum to make the Indian pitch.