“We could soon learn, my dear boy,” said the Colonel; “and it would be very interesting to have such an occupation. I have felt for years past that you and I have been wasting time. No occupation whatever, nothing to do but think about our ailments. It’s rusting, Jollivet—it’s rusting out; and I’m sure that if we both worked hard, we should be healthier and better men.”
“Humph! Well, there is something in that. But, no, no, no, I’m not going to be tempted to spend money that ought some day to come to Joe.”
“Oh, I don’t mind, father, if it’s going to do you good,” cried the boy, eagerly. “I should like for you to have a mine.”
“Shall I have any money some day, father?” said Gwyn.
“I suppose so, my boy, what I leave when I die,” said the Colonel, frowning.
“Oh, then, I’ll give it to go into the mine, father,” cried Gwyn; and the stern look passed off the Colonel’s face. He nodded, and looked pleased.
“Think of the anxiety that such a venture would bring,” said the Major.
“I have thought of it, and also of the anxieties and worries which come to a man who has nothing to do. Look here, Jollivet, I firmly believe in this adventure, and I should very much like it if you would join me, for I feel that it would do you good, and that we should get on well together.”
“Oh, yes, I’ve no doubt about that,” said the Major, “and if you really do make up your mind to venture, I don’t say that I will not lend you some money if you need it.”
“Thank you, I know that you would, Jollivet; but I don’t want to take it in that way. Think it over for a few days, and see how you feel about it.”