and looked
pleased.

"Think of the anxiety that such a venture would bring," said the Major.

"I have thought of it, and also of the anxieties and worries which come
to a man who has nothing to do. Look here, Jollivet, I firmly believe
in this adventure, and I should very much like it if you would join me,
for I feel that it would do you good, and that we should get on well
together."

"Oh, yes, I've no doubt about that," said the Major, "and if you really
do make up your mind to venture, I don't say that I will not lend you
some money if you need it."

"Thank you, I know that you would, Jollivet; but I don't want to take it
in that way. Think it over for a few days, and see how you feel about
it."

"No, I can give you my answer now without any hesitation. It is quite
out of the question, Pendarve. Even if it were a gold mine, I should
say--"

"Don't decide rashly, old fellow," said the Colonel. "A few days ago I
should have answered you in the same way, if you had come and proposed
the thing; but since I have thought it over, I have quite changed my
mind. Do the same, and let me hear how you have concluded to act at the
end of a week."

"But I tell you, my dear sir--"

"Yes; tell me at the end of a week," said the Colonel, smiling. "What
do you think of these fellows beginning to investigate the mine for
themselves? There, Gwyn, you need not stay for me if you want a run
with Joe: I'll walk home alone."

"Father is not well enough to be left," said Joe.

"Yes, yes, my boy," cried the Major; "I don't want to make a prisoner of
you. Go and have a run with Gwyn, by all means."

The boys required no second permission, but were off at once, their
fathers hearing the beat of their feet on the road directly after.

"Where have they gone?" said the Major, turning on his couch.

"Over to the mouth of the mine, for certain," said the Colonel.

He was quite right. There was no proposal made by either of the boys,
but as soon as they were outside the gate, they started off together at
a rapid trot, making straight for the Colonel's land, springing over the
stone-wall, and threading their way amongst stones and bushes, till they
were compelled by the rough ground to go more slowly.

"Makes one want to see more of what it's like," said Joe.

"Yes; I didn't know father was thinking about it so seriously. Why,
it'll be splendid, Joe. I say; you'll have to go down the mine first
this time."

"Yes, I