“Mr. Gilder,” said the old miner, “yo’, suh, are a very honorable gentleman, and I am very proud of my partnership with yo’. I am indeed, suh. In regard to my sister—in her younger days, I assure yo’, she was one of the most rema’kable women of Virginia; yes, suh, a vehy rema’kable woman. She certainly has been a true sister to me, suh, and a faithful mother to my daughters, but in [79] some way she disbelieves in Gray Rocks, and would yo’ believe it, suh, she has gone so far at times as to intimate that I am crazy as a March hare in regard to ever ‘strikin’ it rich’ on our minin’ property; yes, suh, she certainly has said some vehy bitter things against Gray Rocks, but fo’ all that, she is a vehy rema’kable woman, even to this day. Yes, suh, quite rema’kable.” “I now have a matter, Mr. Gilder,” he continued, “of vehy great importance to discuss with yo.” Vance offered the old miner a cigar, which he accepted, and soon they were discussing the “important matter,” which of course referred to Gray Rocks. 8087 “We are not far away, Mr. Gilder, from the 300 foot level. Our machinery and pumps, suh, have been workin’ rema’kably well. Two weeks mo’ and our shaft will be finished; yes, suh, finished. Then we will cross-cut, and my opinion is, it will be well fo’ yo’ to remain in Gold Bluff and be ready to send in yo’r resignation as cor’spondent of that New York paper; yes, suh that is my advice. It is only proper, suh, that yo’ should enjoy the riches that await yo’.” “But supposing, Col. Bonifield,” said Vance, “supposing that you do not find any pay ore when you crosscut into the vein, as you say; in that event, I suppose you agree with me that it would be a pretty good idea for me to hold my position on the Banner?” “Of cou’se, suh,” replied the old miner, “but there is but one chance in ten thousand that we won’t strike it. I admit of this one chance against us, suh, fo’ the sake of [80] argument alone. Mr. Grim is now takin’ out of the Peacock some of the richest ore I ever saw in my life, he is indeed, suh—and his mine joins ours, as yo’ know, directly on the nawth.” Vance was silent for a few moments, and then said: “In the event, Col. Bonifield, we do not strike it; what then? Will you be discouraged?”