abor had become systematized to such a degree as to allow the
superintendent a little leisure, and while Fred was copying some letters
in the private office, Mr. Wright watching him several moments in
silence, asked:

"Do you never expect to do anything but work in a mine, Fred?"

"Oh, yes, sir; if mother and I can get some money laid by I want to go
to the city."

"What will you do there?"

"I don't know, sir, but there should be plenty of chances for a fellow
who is willing to work."

"There are, but since it may be some time before you are in a condition
to leave here, why not make yourself familiar with this branch of
mining?"

"How could that be done, sir?"

"By hard study. You may use any of my books, and after getting a
smattering of the business you might decide to take up civil
engineering, a profession which would suit you admirably."

"If I only could."

"There is nothing to prevent. Here is a work which you can understand,
and after mastering its contents I'll guarantee you're ready to hold
your own against any engineer's assistant in the middle field."

On that very day Fred began his studies, and Sam joined him with the
understanding that not less than two hours of each evening should be
devoted to the work.

Both the boys were astonished at discovering how little they really
knew about mining, even though well acquainted with many of the details,
and rapid progress was made during the fortnight that followed.

"If you keep on at this rate we'll be lookin' for new buttys," Bill said
one evening when the students had explained to him the principles of
hydraulics.

"You won't need any for some time, and then, perhaps, we shall have
learned how ignorant we are, and give up in despair."

"There'll be a good many called for to-morrow. The upper level is in
workin' order, an' a hundred men are to be put on in the morning."

This was, indeed, good news. The inhabitants of Farley's had been
anxiously awaiting the day when it would be possible to earn something
toward the household expenses, and this first evidence that the works
were really to be opened caused a great amount of pleasurable
excitement.

Nearly every one in the village was at the mouth of the slope to see the
workmen go in, and there Sam and Fred met Skip.

"Mr. Donovan has promised to take me into the breaker as soon as there
is any coal to come out," he said, gleefully, "an' my garden is lookin'
fine."

"I don't reckon you