ow company ginghams woan't
wash, while has for white goods, they've poorest stock in hall Red
Jacket. Same time, there's many other little things can be 'ad
reasonable, and Miss Penny's a lady as isn't above buying 'er own
groceries, which hit's a treat to see 'er taking, a taste of this or a
nibble at that, and always giving shopkeeper the benefit of 'er
hexperience."

"Store-keeper be danged!" growled Mark Trefethen. "'Tisn't likely
they'll try to make a counter-jumper outen a lad of Maister Peril's
size and weight o' fist, to say nothing of his l'arnin'. No, no. More
like he'll get a good berth underground--foreman of gang, or plat
boss, or summut like that."

Tom thought it might be a job connected with the railroad, which was
his own ambition; while Nelly, usually so ready with her tongue, for a
wonder kept silent and made no suggestions.

On the following morning, when, promptly at eight o'clock, Peveril
presented himself at the manager's office, his patience was tried by
being compelled to wait in an anteroom for more than an hour while the
great man despatched an immense amount of business with many
subordinates. Richard could not help overhearing many of the
conversations carried on in the private office, and, as he listened,
was filled with admiration at the decisive readiness with which the
manager disposed of one difficult problem after another.

Finally, when all the others had been dismissed, Peveril was summoned
to the inner room, where, after a word of regret at having kept him so
long in waiting, the manager bade him be seated, and said:

"Mr. Peril, it is so evident that you have been accustomed to a
position far removed from that of a common laborer, that I am desirous
of knowing something more of your life before intrusting you with a
responsibility. Do you mind telling me what brought you to this
section of country?"

"No, sir; I don't know that I do. I came out here ruined in fortune,
through no fault of my own, to seek information concerning an old,
and, I believe, a long-ago-abandoned mine, known as the Copper
Princess."

"Um! I remember hearing the name; and, if I am not mistaken, it
applied to a worthless property on which a large sum of money was
squandered many years since."

"Yes, sir."

"How are you interested in it?"

"My father was an owner, and I am his heir."

"I am glad you have told me this, and relieved to find that no worse
folly has caused a gentleman to seek employ