Diemen's
Land. I will keep him with me, though; I don't want my lord to be
bitten. Wonder whether that fellow will come soon for his money. We'll
shut Grip in the inner office, for we don't want another scene."

CHAPTER FORTY SIX.

A DOG'S OPINION.

But Tom Dinass did not go to the office for his promised money, neither
was he seen by anyone; and Gwyn began to doubt the truth of the report
till it was confirmed by Harry Vores, who stated that his "Missus" saw
the man go into a lawyer's office, and that there was the name on the
brass plate, "Dix."

This recalled the visit they had had from a man of that name.

"Perhaps he is dealing with mines, and can give people work," thought
Gwyn; and then the matter passed out of his mind.

Friday morning came, and directly after breakfast the two young fellows
met, Gwyn provided with a basket of provender, his hammer, chisel and
some magnesium ribbon, while Joe had brought an extra-powerful oil
lanthorn.

"Ready?"

"Yes; I've told father I shall be late," said Joe.

"So have I, and my mother, too. Seen anything of Tom Dinass? No?"

"But--oh, I say!"

"Well, say it," cried Gwyn.

"What about Grip?"

"Quite well, thank you for your kind inquiries, but he says he feels the
cold a little in his legs."

"Don't fool," said Joe, testily. "You're not going to leave the dog?"

"Why not?"

"Tom Dinass."

Gwyn whistled.

"Soon put that right," he said. "We'll take him with us. He'll enjoy
the run."

There was no doubt about that, for the dog was frantic with delight, and
as soon as he was unchained he raced before them to the mouth of the
pit, as readily as if he understood where they were going.

Sam Hardock was waiting, and he rubbed his nose on seeing the dog.

"I did advise you, sir, to keep him chained up while there's danger
about," he grumbled.

"Won't be any danger down below, Sam," said Gwyn cheerily.

"What? Eh? You mean to take him with us? Oh, I see. But won't he get
chopped going down?"

"Not if I carry him."

"Nay, sir," said the man, seriously, "you mustn't venture on that."

"Well, I'm going to take him down," said Gwyn.

"I know," said Joe, eagerly; "send him down in the skep."

"Ay, ye might do that, sir," said Hardock, nodding. "Would he stop,
sir?"

"If I tell him," said Gwyn; and, an empty skep being hooked on just
then, the engineer grinned as Gwyn went to it and bade the dog jump in.

Grip obeyed on the instan