“No,” said Gwyn, staring; “about what, sir?”
“The venture, my boy. Hardock reports that the mine is very rich in ore, and that we have entered upon a very good speculation.”
“Yes, that is so, Gwyn,” said his father; “and we are going to begin work in real earnest now—I mean, begin raising ore; and we must engage more men. Well; you were going to say something.”
“Yes, father,” said Gwyn, rushing into his subject at once. “We have just seen Dinass.”
“Yes,” said the Colonel, frowning; “he goes in about ten days, and we want someone in his place. What about him?”
“He has been telling us about his trouble—that he is dismissed.”
“He need not worry you about it, boy. He should have behaved better.”
“Yes; rank cowardice,” said Joe’s father, shortly.
“No, Major; he has been explaining how it was to us, and he tells me it was all accidental. He says we left him behind, and that he searched for us for long enough afterwards, till he was quite lost. It is an awkward place to miss your way in.”
“Yes, you boys ought to know that,” said the colonel. “Then this man has been getting hold of you to petition to stay?”