Preparations for departure were hurried on. With the aid of the troopers, the Pathans put up in a day a temporary shed for the accommodation of the Englishmen. Then they set about hoisting the silver ore from its cavity in the bank of the river to the compound above. The transportation of twenty tons of ore over rough country without suitable vehicles was a matter that gave everybody much concern. It was ultimately decided that as much as possible should be carried by the men and animals, the remainder being left, to be fetched subsequently by a host of carriers whom Fyz Ali undertook to enlist. Every man of the garrison was delighted with the promise of treble pay for the fortnight of Mr. Appleton’s absence, and Major Endicott did not despair of extracting a grant from Government in recognition of their services to the Empire. On the night before the southward march was to be begun, the Englishmen were provided by Shan Tai with a supper on which he lavished all the resources of his art. Corned beef and other tinned comestibles appeared in various disguises, and Mr. Appleton, reclining on his chair, mildly expostulated with the Chinaman for deferring this triumphant exhibition of his skill until the eve of the abandonment of the mine. Healths were drunk in water and coffee, the only beverages available, and the store-sheds having luckily escaped injury, Mr. Appleton was able to offer his guests some excellent cigars. When all were contentedly smoking, Mr. Appleton said: "I want to take you men into my confidence, and ask your advice. As you know, I have decided to close down here. I had already decided to do so at the end of this summer: recent events have only anticipated it by a few weeks." "Congratulations," said Major Endicott. "I suppose you’ve made your pile." "A very modest pile. Sixty per cent. of that ore is pure silver, and it will fetch something like £50,000. That of course I shall invest." "Choose a good security," said the Major. "No more hair-brained adventures, you mean! Really, Major, you must try to disabuse your mind of the notion that I am mad. Now, I am going to retire. Yesterday was my fifty-third birthday; I have knocked about enough; my tastes are simple: and I’ve enough to live on apart from the silver. "You wonder, I dare say, why I brought my nephews out here only a few months before the date I had fixed on for giving up the mine. I’ll tell you. I didn’t know the boys, and wanted to study them at close quarters, and see for myself what they were good for. I am quite satisfied. The probation they have come through during the last few days would convince any one." "I should rather think so," said the Major emphatically. "Well now, what do you advise? What shall I do with them?" "Let ’em both join the service; I recommend that without hesitation," said the Major. "Hear! hear!" Captain Fenton ejaculated. "Would they have you back at Sandhurst, Bob?" asked his uncle.