or many days I believed myself in
the power of wicked wretches, and I longed to escape. You, Madge, first
led me to perceive the truth, not by anything you said, but by the
sight of your daily life, for I saw that your husband and son loved and
respected you! Then all these good and happy workmen, who so revere and
trust Mr. Starr, I used to think they were slaves; and when, for the
first time, I saw the whole population of Aberfoyle come to church and
kneel down to pray to God, and praise Him for His infinite goodness, I
said to myself, 'My grandfather has deceived me.' But now, enlightened
by all you have taught me, I am inclined to think he himself is
deceived. I mean to return to the secret passages I formerly frequented
with him. He is certain to be on the watch. I will call to him; he will
hear me, and who knows but that, by returning to him, I may be able to
bring him to the knowledge of the truth?"

The maiden spoke without interruption, for all felt that it was good for
her to open her whole heart to her friends.

But when, exhausted by emotion, and with eyes full of tears, she ceased
speaking, Harry turned to old Madge and said, "Mother, what should you
think of the man who could forsake the noble girl whose words you have
been listening to?"

"I should think he was a base coward," said Madge, "and, were he my son,
I should renounce and curse him."

"Nell, do you hear what our mother says?" resumed Harry. "Wherever you
go I will follow you. If you persist in leaving us, we will go away
together."

"Harry! Harry!" cried Nell.

Overcome by her feelings, the girl's lips blanched, and she sank into
the arms of Madge, who begged she might be left alone with her.

CHAPTER XVIII. NELL'S WEDDING

IT was agreed that the inhabitants of the cottage must keep more on
their guard than ever. The threats of old Silfax were too serious to be
disregarded. It was only too possible that he possessed some terrible
means by which the whole of Aberfoyle might be annihilated.

Armed sentinels were posted at the various entrances to the mine, with
orders to keep strict watch day and night. Any stranger entering the
mine was brought before James Starr, that he might give an account of
himself. There being no fear of treason among the inhabitants of Coal
Town, the threatened danger to the subterranean colony was made known
to them. Nell was informed of all the precautions taken, and became
more tranquil, although she w