re unimpressed by the needs so
urgently reported by their doctor. The managers on the ground were
concerned chiefly with keeping down the expenses of operation. The
miners themselves were, as a class, too well accustomed to the wretched
conditions under which they lived and worked to make any strenuous
objection.

How to bring about a better condition of things became, with the doctor,
a constant subject of thought. It was also the theme of conversation on
the occasion of his monthly visits to the Kuskinook Hospital, where
it had become an established custom for Dick and him to meet since his
return from Scotland.

"We'll get them to listen when we kill a few score men, not before,"
grumbled Barney to Dick and Margaret.

"It's the universal law," replied Dick. "Some men must die for their
nation. It's been the way from the first."

"But, Barney, is it wise that you should worry yourself and work
yourself to death as you are doing?" said Margaret, anxiously. "You know
you can't stand this long. You are not the man you were when you came
back."

Barney only smiled. "That would be no great matter," he said, lightly.
"But there is no fear of me," he added. "I don't pine for an early
death, you know. I've got a lot to live for."

There was silence for a minute or two. They were thinking of the grave
in the little churchyard across the sea. Ever since Barney's return,
and as often as they met together, they allowed themselves to think and
speak freely of the little valley at Craigraven, so full of light
and peace, with its grave beside the little church. At first Dick and
Margaret shrank from all reference to Iola, and sought to turn Barney's
mind from thoughts so full of pain. But Barney would not have it so.
Frankly and simply he began to speak of her, dwelling lovingly and
tenderly upon all the details of the last days of her life, as he had
gathered them from Lady Ruthven, her friend.

"It would be easier for me not to speak of her," he had said on his
return, "but I've lost too much to risk the loss of more. I want you to
talk of her, and by and by I shall find it easy."

And this they did most loyally, and with tender solicitude for him, till
at length the habit grew, so that whenever they came together it only
deepened and chastened their joy in each other to keep fresh the memory
of her who had filled so large a place, and so vividly, in the life of
each of them. And this was good for them all, but especiall