Hardock. "A few weeks, I
suppose; because, as it lowers, we shall have to put down fresh
machinery to reach it, and so on, right to the sumph at the bottom."

"Oh, not a few weeks," said Gwyn, in a tone of doubt. "Well, say
months, then, sir. Nobody can tell. If you gave me a plan of the mine
on paper, with the number and size of the galleries, I could tell you
pretty exactly; but, of course, we don't know. There may be miles of
workings at different levels; and, on the other hand, there may be not--
only the shaft, and that we can soon master."

"But suppose that there's a hole into it from the sea," said Joe,
looking up from where he knelt, with a droll look of inquiry in his
eyes.

"Why, then we shall want more pumps, and a fresh place to put the water
in," cried Gwyn, laughing. "Rather too big a job for you, that, Sam
Hardock."

"Oh, I don't know, sir. We might p'r'aps find out where the gashly hole
was, and put a big cork in it. But let's try first and see. What do
you say to coming through to the shaft, and having a look whether the
water's beginning to lower?"

"But we shall get out feet so wet."

"Bah! what's a drop o' water, my lad, when there's a big bit o' business
on? Have off your shoes and stockings, then. I've got a light."

"Will you come, Joe?"

"Of course, if you're going," said the boy, sturdily, as if it were a
matter beyond question. "But you haven't told Sam about the
engine-house."

"What about it?" said the man, anxiously. "What!" he continued, on
hearing what they had noticed. "That's bad, my lads, that's bad, and
they mean mischief. But I don't see what harm he could have done to the
fire, only burnt himself--and sarve him right. Wanted to see, perhaps,
how our bylers was set. I know that chap, though--met him more than
once, when I've been here and there in different towns, talking to folk
of a night over a pipe--when I was looking for work, you know. One of
those chaps, he seemed to be, as is always hanging about with both ears
wide open to see what they can ketch. I fancy he had something to do
with the two gents as came over to buy the mine. I aren't sure, but I
think that's it."

"I feel quite sure," said Gwyn, emphatically. "Very well, then, sir;
what we've got to do is to keep him off our premises, so that he don't
get picking up our notions of working the old mine. He's after
something, or he wouldn't be here to-day. Regular old mining hand, he
is; a