kell, general manager
of the mine, whom the young man had never before met.

The Trefethens were thrown into a flutter of hospitable pride by the
coming to their cottage of so distinguished a visitor, but, after a
courteous greeting to them, he devoted his entire attention to him
whom he had come purposely to see. After the latter had been
introduced to him as "Mr. Peril," he asked so many questions
concerning the recent incident as to finally draw out the whole story
of that day's experience. He was a good listener, though a man of few
words, and during Peveril's narrative gained a very fair idea of our
young miner's education and capabilities. When the latter had
finished, the major asked him if he proposed to continue his career as
a miner.

"I expect I shall have to," answered Peveril, "seeing that I am
entirely dependent upon my own exertions for a livelihood, and have no
knowledge of any other business."

"Do you mind telling me what led you to choose this line of work from
all others?"

"Because," replied Peveril, flushing, "finding myself in Red Jacket
without a dollar, I was glad to accept the first job that offered."

"And we was only too glad to have him for one of us, major," broke in
Mark Trefethen, "seeing as how he introduced himself by saving our
Tom's life."

"Indeed! I hadn't heard of that. How did it happen?"

Glad of an opportunity for singing his young friend's praises, the
timber boss eagerly related the incident; and when it was told the
manager said, with a smile:

"Well, sir, you seem to have such a happy faculty for life-saving that
I don't know but what we ought to appoint you inspector of accidents.
Seriously, though, I am very glad to have a man of your evident
ability and steady nerve with us, and if you are inclined to remain in
our employ I shall make it my business to see that your interests do
not suffer. So, if you will call at my office about eight o'clock
to-morrow morning I shall be pleased to have a further talk with
you."

"Thank you, sir," rejoined Peveril; "I will not fail to be there."

After the great man had departed, the Trefethens indulged in many
speculations as to what he intended to do for their guest; nor was
Peveril himself devoid of a hopeful curiosity in the same direction.

"Mayhap he'll make 'ee store-keeper," suggested Mrs. Trefethen; "hand
if 'e only will, Maister Peril, me and Miss Penny 'll take all our
trade to thy shop, though they do say has '