for me indeed it is well, whatever may happen," replied Nell
earnestly; "for others--who can tell?"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing--nothing. But it used to be very dangerous at that time to
go into the new cutting--yes, very dangerous indeed, Harry! Once some
rash people made their way into these chasms. They got a long, long way;
they were lost!"

"They were lost?" said Harry, looking at her.

"Yes, lost!" repeated Nell in a trembling voice. "They could not find
their way out."

"And there," cried Harry, "they were imprisoned during eight long
days! They were at the point of death, Nell; and, but for a kind and
charitable being--an angel perhaps--sent by God to help them, who
secretly brought them a little food; but for a mysterious guide, who
afterwards led to them their deliverers, they never would have escaped
from that living tomb!"

"And how do you know about that?" demanded the girl.

"Because those men were James Starr, my father, and myself, Nell!"

Nell looked up hastily, seized the young man's hand, and gazed so
fixedly into his eyes that his feelings were stirred to their depths.
"You were there?" at last she uttered.

"I was indeed," said Harry, after a pause, "and she to whom we owe our
lives can have been none other than yourself, Nell!"

Nell hid her face in her hands without speaking. Harry had never seen
her so much affected.

"Those who saved your life, Nell," added he in a voice tremulous with
emotion, "already owed theirs to you; do you think they will ever forget
it?"

CHAPTER XIII. ON THE REVOLVING LADDER

THE mining operations at New Aberfoyle continued to be carried on very
successfully. As a matter of course, the engineer, James Starr, as well
as Simon Ford, the discoverers of this rich carboniferous region, shared
largely in the profits.

In time Harry became a partner. But he never thought of quitting
the cottage. He took his father's place as overman, and diligently
superintended the works of this colony of miners. Jack Ryan was proud
and delighted at the good fortune which had befallen his comrade. He
himself was getting on very well also.

They frequently met, either at the cottage or at the works in the pit.
Jack did not fail to remark the sentiments entertained by Harry towards
Nell. Harry would not confess to them; but Jack only laughed at him when
he shook his head and tried to deny any special interest in her.

It must be noted that Jack Ryan had the gre