"Of course," cried the Major. "But look here, my boy--so glad to see you down--I saw a party going to the mine, and I hurried back trusting that one of them might be you." "Come along," cried Clive; and after a quick, tender farewell, he hurried away along the path to the mine, explaining matters to the Major as he went. On reaching the gate in the hill side, and entering the busy little hive of industry, it was plain that something important was on the way; for the men were all up from the workings, and were evidently listening to one of a party of well-dressed men, who was addressing them, and a buzz of voices arose as Clive, looking very stern now, walked up to the front of the office with his two companions. "Oh, good morning, Mr Reed," said the speaker, getting down from a pile of lead pigs. "Good morning, Mr Wrigley. Well, Jessop, you here?" The latter gentleman nodded, and Sturgess, who had his arm in a sling, stood close behind him. "I have been telling the men, Mr Reed, that in consonance with the resolution passed at the board yesterday--" "In my absence, Mr Wrigley." "You had the proper notices, sir," said the lawyer coldly. "I say in accordance with the resolution passed yesterday, it was determined, in the interests of the `White Virgin Mine,' to have a complete change of management." "Indeed!" said Clive. "But I, as the greatest shareholder, object." "You cannot, sir. I and my friends are greater shareholders, and have the majority with us. Out of respect to your late father's memory we have made a concession to your brother." "Jessop!" cried Clive. "Yes, sir. You will give up everything into his hands, for he will reside here and take the management, helped and counselled by Mr Sturgess, who now becomes co-manager of the property." "And I?" said Clive, who was perfectly aghast at the petard sprung beneath his feet. "Will clear out at once." It was Jessop Reed who said these words brutally; and, as the brother's eyes met in a long piercing gaze, Clive Reed knew that his enemies had him firmly by the hip, and that the next minute he must fall. CHAPTER THIRTY. AFTER THE ENCOUNTER. "But, my dear boy, why not have made a fight for it?" cried the Major, as he perspired profusely in his efforts to keep up with Clive, who was striding about the garden. "I'm going to fight for it, sir," cried Clive impatiently; "but these matters are not settled by brute force and bayonets." "Well, well, no," cried the Major; "but you gave up almost without a word." "Everything was against me, sir. Come: you, as a soldier, know that I was beaten by a clever bit of strategy, and that I must meet the position by something of the same kind." "Yes, but you were in possession." "I was, sir, but a majority of the shareholders decided that my management was bad, and appointed another man, so I am bound to give up." "But not without a struggle."