is cavern is more than we can judge
till we have tried."

"But you will try, father?"

"Of course, my boy," cried Sir Edward; "and at once. Here, we must have
Daniel Rugg, and hear what he says."

Dummy fetched his father, who listened in turn without a word.

"Sounds well, Rugg," said Sir Edward.

"Yes, Sir Edward; sounds well."

"But is the grotto likely to run so far?"

"Lots on 'em do. There's one yonder up in the Peak as goes for miles,
and they've never yet found the end, nor where the water goes."

"Well," said Sir Edward, after a few minutes' thought; "I'm afraid to be
too sanguine. This may all end in disappointment; but it shall be
tried."

"Now, at once, I s'pose, Sir Edward?"

"Now, at once."

Ten men were chosen for the expedition, and Mark noted with satisfaction
that Dan Rugg put forward those who had been accustomed to work in the
mine.

"Better for getting along, Master Mark," said the miner, on seeing that
Mark took notice of his action.

"But will ten be enough, Dan?"

"Why not, sir? Ten, and me and Dummy's twelve, and you and Sir Edward
fourteen. Well, perhaps it would be as well to have a couple more."

Garth and Jennings were selected without having the slightest notion of
where they were going, but they took their places without a word, only
too glad to have some change from the monotonous existence they had been
leading for many days.

No embargo was placed upon their way of marching, and they tramped
eagerly on, till the occupants of the Castle were startled by their
sudden arrival, to share in the surprise of their fellows when orders
were given for rations to be supplied to each man, after a good meal had
been eaten.

Half-an-hour after, well provided with picks, hammers, big nails for
driving in the cracks, either for foot-hold or to bear ropes, the whole
party were descending into the mine, with Dummy promoted, from his
knowledge, to the onerous post of guide, leading, and Mark by his side
or following next, according to the state of the way.

The men were in excellent spirits, for by this time the object of the
expedition had oozed out, and it gave them a feeling of confidence now
that the attack was to be made through the mine, where they were all
much at home.

There was the rumour, too, that they were to take the enemy by surprise
where there would be no barricades or breastworks, and altogether the
men moved on after their young guides in the highest of sp