As soon as they landed, the crews began to carry up boxes and packages, but a young man left the group and came towards the shack.

He wore neat store-clothes that were not much the worse for the journey, and although his skin was somewhat dark, looked like a young business man from the cities.
"Which of you is Mr.Thirlwell ?" he asked.
"I am," said Thirlwell.

"Who are you ?" "Ian Drummond; the boys call me Jake.

A son of Hector Drummond's of Longue Sault factory." "Ah," said Scott, "this gets interesting! Did Hector Drummond send you ?" "No; he died nine years since." Scott gave Thirlwell a meaning look, and turned to the young man.
"Then what do you want ?" "To begin with, I want a job." "A job ?" said Scott with some surprise.

"What can you do ?" "I know nothing about mining, but I'm pretty strong," Drummond answered, giving Scott a deerskin bag.