“What! not the local—”
Before the managing director could finish his sentence Mr Donnithorne introduced him to James Penrose, and left the two for a time to talk together.
It need scarcely be added that Clearemout was quite willing to avail himself of the services of the “local,” but the local did not meet his proposals so readily as he would have wished. Penrose was a cautious man, and said he would call on Mr Clearemout in the evening after he had had time to consider the matter.
With this reply the other was fain to rest satisfied, and shortly after he returned to the bottom of the shaft with his friends, leaving the hardy miner to pursue his work.
At the bottom of the shaft they were accosted by a sturdy little man, who told them that a large piece of timber was being sent down the shaft, and it would be advisable to wait until it reached the bottom.
“Is it on the way, Spankey?” asked Captain Dan.
“Iss, sur, if it haven’t walked into the thirty-fathom level in passin’.”
Spankey was a humorous individual addicted to joking.
“Are you married, Spankey?” asked Clearemout, looking down with a grin at the dirty little fellow beside him.
“Iss, sur. Had, two wives, an’ the third wan is waitin’ for me, ’spose.”