trip through the Lehigh Valley into the
coal region to see me, and be taken down into a mine. They arrived
unexpectedly this afternoon, and have got to return home the day after
to-morrow; so to-morrow is the only opportunity they will have for
visiting the mine. Of course I had made arrangements to take them
around, and show them everything there is to be seen; but now I find I
can't do it. Two hours ago I received a telegram telling me that an
important case, in which I am the principal witness, is to be tried in
Mauch Chunk to-morrow, and I must be there without fail. Now I want you
to take my place, act as guide to the ladies, and show them all the
sights of interest about the colliery, both above-ground and in the
mine. Will you do this for me?"

Derrick hesitated, blushed, stammered, turned first hot and then cold,
until Mr. Jones, who was watching him with an air of surprise and
amusement, laughed outright.

"What is the matter?" he asked at length. "Ain't I offering you a
pleasanter job than that of driving a bumping-mule all day?"

"No, sir--I mean yes, sir; of course I will, sir," said Derrick, finally
recovering his voice. "Only don't you think one of the older men--"

"Oh, nonsense! You're old enough, and know the colliery well enough. I
don't want them taken through the old workings," added Mr. Jones, with a
twinkle in his eyes.

"If you did, sir, I believe I could guide them as well as anybody!"
exclaimed Derrick, with all his self-possession restored, together with
a touch of his old self-conceit.

"I haven't a doubt of it," answered the other. "Now, if it's all settled
that you are to act as their escort to-morrow, step into the parlor and
let me introduce you to the ladies."

With this he threw open the door connecting the two rooms, and said,
"Sister, this is Derrick Sterling, of whom I have spoken to you so
often, and who will act as your guide in my place to-morrow. Derrick,
this is my sister, Mrs. Halford, and my niece, Miss Nellie."

Poor Derrick felt very much as he had done when, with the same
companion, he had been unexpectedly ushered into the meeting of the
Mollie Maguires, and, as on that occasion, his impulse was to run away.
Before he had a chance to do anything so foolish, a motherly-looking
woman, evidently older than Mr. Jones, but bearing a strong resemblance
to him, stepped forward, and taking the boy by the hand, said, "I am
very glad to meet you, Derrick, for my brother has