ut we'd better have the water well
under first."

"But suppose you are never going to get it under?"

"Eh? No, I don't s'pose anything of the kind. It's fresh water, and we
must soon bottom it."

"But suppose it's an underground river, Sam?" said Joe, sharply.

"Underground river, my lad? Then that will be a fine chance for you
two. I should be for getting my tackle ready, and going fishing as soon
as the water's low enough. Who knows what you might ketch?"

"Nothing to laugh at, Sam," said Gwyn, sternly. "If there should prove
to be an underground stream, you'll never pump the mine dry."

"Never, sir, and I shouldn't like to try; but," the man continued with a
twinkle of the eye, "the steam-engine will. That's the beauty of these
things--they never get tired. Here's the guv'nors."

Colonel Pendarve came up with the Major, both looking very serious, and
evidently troubled by the slow progress over the water.

"Been down the shaft, Hardock?" said the former.

"Yes, sir; just come up."

"Any better news?" said the Major, quickly.

"No, sir; it's just about the same. Couldn't be better."

"Not be better, man! The anxiety is terrible."

"Oh, no, sir," said Hardock; "that's only because you worry yourself
over it. Water's been steadily sinking ever since we began to pump."

"But so slowly--so slowly, man."

"Yes, sir, but there's the wonder of it. Place is bigger than we
expected."

"Then the water is falling, Hardock?" said the Colonel.

"Yes, sir, steady and sure; and whenever the pump has been stopped, the
water hasn't risen, which is the best sign of all."

"Yes; we must have patience, Jollivet, and wait."

"Yes, sir," put in Hardock; "and if I might make so bold as to speak I
wouldn't engage anyone else for the present. When the mine's dry it
will be time enough."

"No; better get recruits while we can," said the Colonel.

"But you have ideas on paying wages, sir, and I fancy I know the best
sort of men we want."

"Ah, you don't like the man Dinass," said the Colonel.

"No, sir, I don't; not at all."

"But you said he worked well and knew his business."

"Yes, sir; but I don't like him none the more."

"Petty jealousy, my man, because you did not have a word in the
business. Come along, Major, and let's see how the pump's getting on."

"Jealousy," grunted Hardock; "just as if I'd be jealous of a chap like
that. What yer laughing at, Mr Gwyn?"

"You, Sam. Why, you're as