“What is it, Gwyn?” said his father. “Speak out, if you know.”
“Ore seems pretty tidy by the top.”
“No; nonsense!” cried the Colonel.
“It is, father,” said Gwyn. “You read it over again, Joe.”
The letters were once more repeated, and the Major exclaimed,—
“That’s it, sure enough.”
“Then there must be something in it,” cried Colonel Pendarve. “The place is being talked about, and this fellow, who is evidently experienced in such matters, has been sent on to act as a spy. But how does he know about the depth?”
“Line’s all knotted in six-feet lengths, sir,” said Joe.
“Then I’m much obliged to him for taking the measures; but let’s try for ourselves. You would like to see the depth tried, Jollivet.”
“I? No, certainly not. Why should I?” cried the Major, testily.