The black pines on the point rose higher, resinous smells came out of the dark, and presently a row of lights twinkled ahead.
Thirlwell ran the canoe alongside the landing and when they reached the veranda Agatha gave him her hand.
"You start early, I think," she said.

"I have much to thank you for and am glad we have met." He let her go and afterwards leaned against the rails.

She had made him a promise and when they next met it would be beside a river of the North.

But this was twelve months ahead; he felt it was a long time to wait..