etter, though, in the lower portions of the inner cavern,
for the deeper you go the richer it gets."

In another moment our young engineer was chipping bits of rock from the
nearest wall, and then he must need explore those of the storeroom,
where, on a bank of the subterranean stream, he found ore as rich as
any he had ever seen, even in museums. Returning with hands and
pockets full of specimens, he said:

"This is the very thing for which I came to Labrador, but have thus far
failed to find. Of course I have discovered plenty of indications, for
the whole country is full of iron, but nowhere else have I found it in
quantity or of a quality that would pay to work. Here you have both,
and close to a navigable waterway."

"On which the largest ships may moor to the very cliffs," added Mr.
Balfour.

"It means a fortune to the owner, and I congratulate you, sir."

"My dear lad, I don't want it! I am an electrician, not a miner. Even
if I were inclined to work it, which I am not, I should not be
permitted to do so, for my earthly interests are very nearly ended.
Therefore I cheerfully relinquish in your favour whatever claim I may
have acquired by discovery or occupation. If you want it, take it, and
may God's blessing go with the gift. Also, under this bed, you will
find a bag containing more specimens that may interest you. Of them we
will talk at another time, for now I am weary."

With this the man turned his face to the wall, while Cabot, securing
the bag, quickly became absorbed in an examination of its contents.
Among these he found rich specimens of iron and copper ores, slabs of
the rare and exquisitely beautiful Labradorite, with its sheen of
peacock-blue, and even bits of gold-bearing quartz. For a long time he
examined and tested these; then, with a sigh of content, he laid them
aside and went to bed. His mission to Labrador was at length
accomplished, and now he had only to get back to New York as quickly as
possible.

But getting to New York from that place, under existing circumstances,
was something infinitely easier to plan than to accomplish. To begin
with, he had promised to remain with the new-found friend, who was also
so greatly his benefactor, so long as he should be needed, and he meant
to fulfil the promise to the letter. But to do so taxed his patience
to the utmost; for, in spite of the electrician's belief that he had
not long to live, the passing of many weeks found his cond