is going to change, or I
have one of my fever fits coming on, so I don't want to be bothered.
Look here, I joined you in this speculation, and it has turned out
unfortunate. I trust you in every way, and I know that everything you
have done is for the best. So just tell me in plain figures what is the
amount of the deficit, and I will draw you a cheque for one-half. If
it's too big a pull, Joe, you will have to go to work, and I into a
smaller house. Now, then, please let me know the worst."

"Glad you take it so well," said the Colonel, frowning, and coughing to
clear his voice, while Mrs Pendarve looked very anxious, and the lads
exchanged glances.

"Ahem!" coughed the Colonel again. "Well, sir, in spite of the very
favourable returns made by the mine, our expenses in commencing, for
machinery, and the months of barren preparation, we are only--"

"Will you tell me the worst?" cried the Major, angrily.

"I will," said the Colonel; "the worst is, that after all we have paid
and received, we now have standing in the bank the sum of twelve hundred
pounds odd, which, being divided by two, means just over six hundred
pounds apiece."

"Loss?" cried the Major.

"Gain," said the Colonel. "We worked the mine for the boys, so that
money will just do for their preparation for the army, for they're
fitter for soldiers than miners after all."

The Major had risen to his feet, and stood with his lips trembling.

"Am I dreaming?" he said.

"No, my dear old friend; very wide awake."

"Then I have not lost?"

"No; gained enough to pay well for Joe's education, and I stand just the
same. Now, boys, a good training with an army coach, and then
Sandhurst. What do you say?"

"Hurrah!" cried the boys in a breath; and when they repeated it their
fathers joined in.

About a month later Grip was loose in the garden, and seeing some one
approach, Gwyn rushed at the dog, seized him by the collar, and chained
him up before turning back to meet--Tom Dinass, who was coming up to the
house.

"You here--alive?" cried Gwyn.

"Seems like it, sir," said the man, grinning. "That there dorg's as
nasty and savage as ever. Guv'nor in?"

"Yes, I'm here, sir," said the Colonel, who had seen the man approach.
"Then you were not drowned in the mine?"

"Oh, no, I warn't drowned in the mine."

"Well, what is your business?"

"Would you mind taking me in where we sha'n't be heard?"

"No, sir; you can speak out here. I don't