Part 58 (1/2)

”I don't think there is a doubt of it,” he said. ”We are quite three hundred feet lower here, and in all probability it is the same underground stream as we have at the Tor; but whether it will be possible to get right through into this 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 spirits, feeling as they did that at last the petty war was to be brought to a conclusion.

The ways through the old galleries and chambers of the mine were traversed with the men talking and laughing, and reminding one another of this or that particular working where the lead ore was rich; and Dummy strode in front, bearing his lantern well, and his importance ill.

For he was to all intents and purposes the originator and head man of the little campaign, till suddenly casting his eyes sidewise he caught sight of Mark looking at him in an amused way, which discharged all his conceit upon the instant, as he flushed up and changed back to the old Dummy at once.

”You shouldn't laugh at a poor fellow, Master Mark,” he remonstrated in a whisper.

”Then you shouldn't strut along like a game-c.o.c.k just come in for his spring feathers.”

”I didn't,” said Dummy angrily.

”You did. But go on. I will not laugh at you any more.”