“But as you wish to sell the machinery, my dear sir,” said Mr Dix, “surely you would not mind parting with the mine now?”
“Indeed, but I should,” said the Colonel.
“Then you will try and clear it, and commence work again?”
“Never, sir,” said the Colonel, emphatically.
“Surely, then, you would not hinder others from adventuring upon what may prove a failure, but who are still willing to try?”
“Indeed, but I would, sir,” said the Colonel. “The machinery will be sold for what it will fetch, and then I shall return to my old, calm, peaceful life.”
“But, my dear sir,” began Mr Brownson.
“Pray do not argue the matter, sir,” said the Colonel, and at last the two solicitors went disappointed away. But in the three weeks which elapsed before the auction, four more applications were made, still without result, and then came the sale, months of work, and at last the whole of the appliances of the mine that could be got at were swept away.
It was about three months later that, one evening, the Major sat at a round table over which Colonel Pendarve presided, with divers books before him and a carefully-drawn-up balance-sheet, which he proceeded to read; Mrs Pendarve, Gwyn and Joe Jollivet being the other listeners. It was full of details, vouchers for all of which were in the books.
But Major Jollivet stopped him.