-room. Here were the tools of
the mine--two wheelbarrows, several shovels and picks, a large lantern,
and several boxes of powder. What had once been a heavy coil of hemp rope
was now a very comfortable rat's nest. Several old stone drills had been
driven into the crevices for hooks, and on them hung old burlap sacks, a
coil of heavy wire, two old slouch hats, and a man's coat.

Tad had bared his head as he entered. He slowly led the way down the
narrow lane without a word. A little farther in they came to a very rusty
ax, leaning against the wall, and Willis guessed that it had never been
moved from where Tad had last used it. The large, blackened chips were
scattered over the floor, and the great plank lay where he had last
worked on it. Tad was very cautious now, trying the props overhead every
few feet, to see if they were safe. Willis was walking as if in a dream;
he was stepping very softly and his head was bowed. This was the very
path his father had trod. He fancied he heard his cheery voice now, as he
came and went with load after load of rock. He fancied how he must have
felt as he worked day by day, ever surer of the fortune that was to be
his. He found himself wondering how his life's course might have been
changed if that golden dream had come true. The tunnel turned abruptly to
the west, and Tad moved more cautiously still. Presently Tad halted and
pointed to a heap of rock on the floor, "It was there, lad," he said very
quietly, and that was all. Willis stooped and placed his hand on the
place for a second. Tad noticed that his face was white and drawn and his
eyes were very big. He let him stay for an instant, then took him gently
by the arm and led him out.

Old Ben made a hasty examination of the rocks on the floor, then of the
exposed vein. He handed the candle to Ham, and, drawing from his pocket a
heavy cold chisel, he carefully knocked off some choice pieces of the ore
and placed them in his pocket, muttering to himself all the while. When
he had satisfied himself, he turned, took the candle, and started out,
motioning Ham to precede him.

"Best gold quartz I've seed in many a year," he said softly, "only Tad
will never believe it." Ham understood. Ahead of them, down the narrow
black passage, they saw Tad's light disappear.

"They have stepped into the tool-room, boy," said Ben, "an' every tarnal
one o' them implements is nearly sacred to Tad. Let's not disturb 'em."
He blew out his light and l