"Well, I suppose if we can get an injunction on the Mineral Hill, they can do the same to us." "I reckon you're right," returns Lot, wiping his forehead, and looking glum. "But I thought we claimed their mine--not that they claimed ourn." "Besides," adds Ralph, "it is about as well for us. We have got no pay ore. It is the Mineral Hill we want, I imagine." Here he gives Kruger a significant wink, and continues: "You'd better walk down our incline, and see how our prospects are, and then come up and tell me if you think there is any chance of our finding anything where we're working now. I'd like your opinion on that. It won't take you half an hour, bishop." "Wall, there's nuthin' like seein'," replies Kruger, and descends the shaft, which is not difficult, it being an inclined one, and can be walked down if necessary, as it pitches into the hill at an angle of not over forty-five degrees. There are two ore-cars running on tracks in this shaft, to the lower level of the mine, which is about one hundred feet from the surface. These are hauled up and let down by a horse whim, that at present, in contradiction to its name, is moved by a long-eared, strong-kicking mule, that Erma notices is called Marcho. Kruger, instead of using his feet, prefers mule locomotion, and goes down on one of these cars; the other shortly thereafter making its appearance at the surface, is unloaded of some waste rock and a few dulled drills and other debris of the mine. Another surface employee is engaged in turning a circular hand fan, which through a large tin pipe forces fresh air to the miners working in the lower level. These facts are easily and accurately explained by Ralph to his daughter, as they watch Mr. Kruger's descent. A few moments after Lot has disappeared, he suggests: "Wouldn't you like to see the interior of the mine, Erma?" "Is it safe?" asks the young lady. "Certainly. Do you suppose I would knowingly take you into danger?" "Oh, I referred to my costume, not myself," says Miss Travenion lightly, who is apparently determined to throw off care as much as possible this day. "Dust will not hurt linen," replies her father. "There is no seepage at this season, and we are way above the water level. So you have only a little dust to fear, and the descent is not long nor dangerous." Some expression in his face makes his daughter say "Yes" to his proposal. A few moments after, the two are alone together in the car descending the dark incline, and Ralph Travenion whispers: "Watch me! The stock is below the set of timbers on which I shall place my hand." To which Erma murmurs: "I understand!" knowing now that it is for this reason her father wishes her to go down the Zion Co-operative mine.