Part 64 (1/2)
”Well, what was he doing?”
”Oh, I don't know, unless he was chipping the stones to try whether a vein of tin runs up there.”
”Well, it may,” said Gwyn, thoughtfully. ”Why shouldn't it?”
”I don't know why it shouldn't, but it isn't likely.”
”Why not, when the mine runs right under there.”
”What? Nonsense!”
”It does. I was down that part with Sam Hardock one day when the wind was blowing hard, and Sam could hear the waves beat and the big boulders rumble tumbling after as they fell back.”
”How horrid!” said Joe, looking at his companion with his face drawn in accord with his words. ”Why didn't you tell me?”
”Forgot all about it afterwards; never remembered it once till you began to talk like this.”
”But how strange!” said Joe.
”Oh, I don't see why it should be strange. The old folks found a rich vein, and when they did they followed it up wherever it went; and that's, of course, why it's such a rambling old place. But that's what old Dina.s.s is after. He thinks that if he can find a new vein, he'll get a reward.”
”What a game if he finds one running out through the rocks!”
”I don't see how it's going to be a game.”
”Don't you? Why, to find that he has discovered what already belongs to us; for of course the foresh.o.r.e's ours, and even if it wasn't he couldn't go digging down there for ore.”
”Why?”
”Because, for one thing, the waves wouldn't let him; and for another, we shouldn't allow him to dig a hole down into our mine. There, come on, and let's take them some fish; and I want to get on my dry clothes.
What are you thinking about?”
”Eh?”
”I said what are you thinking about?”
”Tom Dina.s.s.”
”Not a very pleasant subject either. I get to like him less and less, and it's my opinion that if he gets half a chance he'll be doing something.”
”Hallo!”
”Oh, here you are, Master Gwyn.”
”Yes; what's the matter, Sam?”
”You'll know quite soon enough, sir. Come on up to the mine. Harry Vores has just gone back there. It was him brought me the news.”