"There are, but since it may be some time before you are in a condition to leave here, why not make yourself familiar with this branch of mining?"
"How could that be done, sir?"
"By hard study. You may use any of my books, and after getting a smattering of the business you might decide to take up civil engineering, a profession which would suit you admirably."
"If I only could."
"There is nothing to prevent. Here is a work which you can understand, and after mastering its contents I'll guarantee you're ready to hold your own against any engineer's assistant in the middle field."
On that very day Fred began his studies, and Sam joined him with the understanding that not less than two hours of each evening should be devoted to the work.
Both the boys were astonished at discovering how little they really knew about mining, even though well acquainted with many of the details, and rapid progress was made during the fortnight that followed.
"If you keep on at this rate we'll be lookin' for new buttys," Bill said one evening when the students had explained to him the principles of hydraulics.
"You won't need any for some time, and then, perhaps, we shall have learned how ignorant we are, and give up in despair."
"There'll be a good many called for to-morrow. The upper level is in workin' order, an' a hundred men are to be put on in the morning."