ress.
Apparently unconscious of her own danger, she leaned out farther and
farther, until Peveril, fearful lest she should lose her balance and
plunge into the pool, reached an arm about her waist and held her.

The girl was so intent upon watching her father that for a moment she
paid no attention to this. Then, suddenly becoming conscious of the
strong support against which she was leaning, she stepped quickly back
to a position of safety.

"I didn't suppose you would think it necessary to take such care of a
boy," she said, with an attempt at dignity.

"I shouldn't," laughed Peveril; "but why didn't you tell me yesterday
that you were a young lady, and that your name was Mary?"

"I don't remember that you asked me."

"That's so. It was you who asked all the questions and I who answered
them. So now it is my turn."

"I sha'n't promise to answer, though."

"Oh, but you must; for there are some things that I am extremely
anxious to know. For instance, why do you dress in boy's costume?"

"Because my father wished me to."

"An excellent reason. Now I want to know if 'Darrell's Folly' and the
Copper Princess are one and the same mine?"

"I believe the Copper Princess has been called by that other name,
which, however, I will thank you not to repeat in my presence."

"All right, I won't; but tell me--"

"Here is the rope, Mr. Peveril, and, thanking you over and over again
for your very great kindness, I will bid you _au revoir_," said the
girl, hurriedly adjusting the loop and preparing to ascend.

There was never a more amazed or abashed man in this world than was
Mike Connell when the "young lady" whom he, full of curiosity, was
helping to hoist from the old shaft made her appearance, and he
discovered her to be the "lad" whom he had treated with such freedom
the evening before. He was so staggered that he could not utter a
word, but simply stared at her with an expression in which
mortification and admiration were equally blended.

The moment the girl gained a footing on the surface she made a
comprehensive little bow to the men assembled about the shaft-mouth,
and said:

"My father and I thank you, gentlemen, from overflowing hearts, for
your great kindness to us, and shall hope to see you at our home for
supper, after you have been rejoined by Mr. Peveril. Come, papa, let
us go and make ready for company." With this she led the old man away
in the direction of his "Folly."

Half an hour later the