all oil-can, seeking to lubricate the old and
stiffened parts of the machinery.

It was all to save the mill from destruction, and the master from injury
from whom he had cut himself adrift, and there was the result at last.
The ruddy light which had illumined the fern-hung sides and curtains of
ivy of the great gorge began to fail.

The great, black cloud of smoke which hung over from side to side began
to turn from ruddy orange to a dull lead colour, and at last the word
was given to cease pumping.

"There's nothing to do now, my lads, but to carry a few buckets inside
and look out for sparks," cried Willows. "I thank you all! You've
worked grandly, and you have saved our old mill."

"There'll be a big sore place upon it to-morrow, master," said one of
the men.

"Nothing but what James Drinkwater and three or four workmen," said
Willows, speaking meaningly, "can put right within a month. The
machinery at this end seems to be uninjured."

"I hope so," said Manners, "but the lads here and I have given it a
tremendous washing where we sent the stream in through yon hole and
those broken windows. What about the silk? Will it be spoiled?"

"There was little there to signify, and the loss will be comparatively
small. Now then, everyone round to the big office, and let's see what
we can do in the way of finding you all something to eat and drink."

There was another burst of cheers, and soon after, while the men and
women were partaking of the mill-owner's cheer, he and his friends had
been making such examination as the smoke, the darkness, and the water
which had flooded the drenched part of the building would allow.

"Terrible damage, Carlile," he said. "Still nothing compared to what
might have been. But what has become of Drinkwater? Who saw him last?"

"I think I did, father," cried Will. "He was busy with a lantern down
there by the engine, wiping and oiling the different parts. I asked him
to come in, but he only grunted and shook his head."

"That's where I found him," chimed in Josh, "when you sent me with a
message, father."

"Yes, and I saw him there," said Manners. "My word, how he kept the
pumpers up to the mark! The water never failed once. Why, you got
quite a bargain in the old engine, Mr Willows, and that fellow did it
up splendidly."

"And worked gloriously," cried Will. "I think, father, he felt ashamed
of all he had said, and wanted to put matters right."

"I hope so," sai