oking gentleman, with sharp eyes, a snub nose, and grey hair,
which seemed to have a habit of standing out in pointed tufts, came up
to the door, knocked, and sent in his card.

"Mr Lester Dix, solicitor, Plymouth," said the Colonel, reading the
card, as he and Gwyn were busy over a work on military manoeuvres. "I
don't know any Mr Dix. Show him in."

"Shall I go, father?"

"No, I think not, my boy. I don't suppose it is anything important,
unless it is someone come to claim damages for the assault you committed
on the man at the mine, and for confiscating the reel and line."

"Oh, it would not be that, would it, father?" cried Gwyn, anxiously.
"And besides--"

"He began it, eh? Well, we shall see. You had better stay."

The visitor was shown it, and entered with so smiling a countenance that
at first Gwyn felt better; but a suspicion came over him directly after
that the smile might mean a masking of the real attack.

For Gwyn's education was growing decidedly military, his father devoting
a great deal of time to reading works on fortification and army matters.

But he was soon set at rest, for, after a few preliminary words of
apology for the call, with some remarks on the fineness of the morning,
and the pleasant drive over from the station, the visitor plunged at
once into the object of his visit.

"The fact is, Colonel Pendarve, my professional business lies a great
deal with mining companies, and one of those for whom I act have been
for some time looking out for a spot here on the west coast, where they
could exploit, so to speak, the land, and try with the newer machinery
some of the old neglected workings. Now, I am instructed that you have
on your estate one of these disused mines, and my company, for whom I
act, are willing to run the risk of trying if anything can be made of it
with the modern appliances. You see I am quite frank with you, sir. In
other words, they are desirous of becoming the purchasers of your little
estate here at a good advance upon the sum for which you purchased it."

"Indeed?" said the Colonel, smiling.

"Yes, sir; and I will not conceal from you the fact that they will be
quite willing to agree to what would really be a most advantageous thing
for you."

"Then the old mine must be very valuable," said Gwyn, excitedly.

"Eh?" ejaculated the visitor, turning his eyes sharply upon the boy.
"Oh dear me, no, my dear young friend. That does not follow. It might
tur