's possible,"
replied Ford, "and it will be a pleasure to her to see you at her table.
I think she will surpass herself to do you honor."

"We shall see that, Simon, we shall see that!" said the engineer, to
whom the announcement of a good breakfast could not be indifferent,
after his long walk.

"Are you hungry, Mr. Starr?"

"Ravenously hungry. My journey has given me an appetite. I came through
horrible weather."

"Ah, it is raining up there," responded Simon Ford.

"Yes, Simon, and the waters of the Forth are as rough as the sea."

"Well, Mr. Starr, here it never rains. But I needn't describe to you
all the advantages, which you know as well as myself. Here we are at the
cottage. That is the chief thing, and I again say you are welcome, sir."

Simon Ford, followed by Harry, ushered their guest into the dwelling.
James Starr found himself in a large room lighted by numerous lamps, one
hanging from the colored beams of the roof.

"The soup is ready, wife," said Ford, "and it mustn't be kept waiting
any more than Mr. Starr. He is as hungry as a miner, and he shall
see that our boy doesn't let us want for anything in the cottage!
By-the-bye, Harry," added the old overman, turning to his son, "Jack
Ryan came here to see you."

"I know, father. We met him in the Yarrow shaft."

"He's an honest and a merry fellow," said Ford; "but he seems to be
quite happy above ground. He hasn't the true miner's blood in his veins.
Sit down, Mr. Starr, and have a good dinner, for we may not sup till
late."

As the engineer and his hosts were taking their places:

"One moment, Simon," said James Starr. "Do you want me to eat with a
good appetite?"

"It will be doing us all possible honor, Mr. Starr," answered Ford.

"Well, in order to eat heartily, I must not be at all anxious. Now I
have two questions to put to you."

"Go on, sir."

"Your letter told me of a communication which was to be of an
interesting nature."

"It is very interesting indeed."

"To you?"

"To you and to me, Mr. Starr. But I do not want to tell it you until
after dinner, and on the very spot itself. Without that you would not
believe me."

"Simon," resumed the engineer, "look me straight in the face. An
interesting communication? Yes. Good! I will not ask more," he added, as
if he had read the reply in the old overman's eyes.

"And the second question?" asked the latter.

"Do you know, Simon, who the person is who can have written this?"