“My dear father,” she said, “why not go to Mr. Gilder; he has been so true to you, and I am sure, now that you are so near finishing your work, he will give you what assistance is needed.” The old man stroked his daughter’s hair affectionately. “Yes, suh, yo’ are right; he would help me if he could. No one seems to undehstand me, Louise, my deah child, except’n’ yo’self and Mr. Gilder. I may as well tell yo’ that I called on Mr. Gilder sev’al days ago fo’ a little mo’ money, and he told me the $6,000 which he had given us was practically every dollar he had in the world. It made my old heart bleed to see the pained expression on the [226] noble young fellow’s face—pained because he couldn’t help me mo’. I explained to him that it made no diff’ence; that my men—the rascals who have so shamefully dese’ted me—had confidence in Gray Rocks, and that they would stand by me fo’ a few days longeh.” The Colonel walked back and forth in an agitated way, and held his head between his hands. “My God, it will drive me crazy,” he exclaimed, “if the work is not finished.” Louise was startled at his manner. She noticed that he appeared older than ever before, and condemned herself for not giving him more encouragement and help. “Father, how can I help you?” she asked, imploringly. “There is no way, my precious little child; come here to me.” He seated himself and she nestled on his lap. “To-morrow morning, father,” said she, “now listen, for I am going to have my way—to-morrow morning I am going with you down to the 500 foot level and help you with the work. I’m not afraid, and I’m very strong, too.” “Why, what [227] would Mr. Gilder say if he knew my little girl was down in a mine workin’.” said the Colonel, half amused at her earnestness, while he pressed her close and closer to him. “Mr. Gilder?” repeated Louise, looking dreamily into the bed of red coals in the open grate, “we won’t tell him. How heroic it was of him to give you every dollar he had in the world! Tell me, father, do you think any one else would have done so much?” “No, suh,” replied the Colonel, “there’s betteh blood cou’sin’ through his veins than any man I eveh saw. To be sure, he’s a nawth’n man—that is, he was bawn in the nawth; but even the old state of Virginia neveh produced a manlier man.” True to her promise, the next morning found Louise with her father in the drift shaft, 500 feet underground. They had carried with them a well-filled lunch basket, and worked with a determination born of despair. Holes were drilled deep in the solid rock and filled with giant powder, then after lighting the fuse, they would retreat until the blast resounded in hollow mockery through the caverns of the earth. No sooner would the smoke clear away than they would drill again.