“Of course, my boy,” cried Sir Edward; “and at once. Here, we must have Daniel Rugg, and hear what he says.”
Dummy fetched his father, who listened in turn without a word.
“Sounds well, Rugg,” said Sir Edward.
“Yes, Sir Edward; sounds well.”
“But is the grotto likely to run so far?”
“Lots on ’em do. There’s one yonder up in the Peak as goes for miles, and they’ve never yet found the end, nor where the water goes.”
“Well,” said Sir Edward, after a few minutes’ thought; “I’m afraid to be too sanguine. This may all end in disappointment; but it shall be tried.”
“Now, at once, I s’pose, Sir Edward?”
“Now, at once.”
Ten men were chosen for the expedition, and Mark noted with satisfaction that Dan Rugg put forward those who had been accustomed to work in the mine.