Chapter Eight.

The Mine Fever.

“You’ll have to tell them at home, Ydoll,” said Joe as they reached the rough stone-wall which enclosed the Colonel’s estate. “What shall you say?”

“Oh, just what happened,” replied Gwyn; “but the job is how to begin. It’s making the start.”

“Pst! Look out!” whispered Joe. “Here is your father.”

“Good-morning, Hardock,” said the Colonel, coming upon the group suddenly.

“I hope you haven’t been filling my boy’s head with more stuff about mining. Why, halloa, Gwyn; how did you get in that state? Where’s your cap?”

“Down the mine-shaft, father,” replied the lad; and he found no difficulty about beginning. In a few minutes the Colonel knew all.