"Lead ore," said Clive, looking curiously at a little block of dull grey stone. "Yes, there's plenty of that stuff on my wild bit of mountain land. It all interests me, and of course much more since I have been a shareholder in the mine--I mean," said the Major hastily, "since I was once." "You are, Major. Once for all, no more words about that. A certain number more shares have been transferred to you, and they stand as yours in the company's books. Not another word. Ah, Dinah! I seem to have neglected you sadly. Now, no more business; the whole day is ours. To-morrow morning I must be off back to town." The parting was sad enough the next morning quite early, for, to Dinah, it was as if she were losing her protector for many days to come, and she could not drive away the forebodings of looming troubles as she clung to Clive after accompanying him with the Major for some distance along the mountain track leading to Blinkdale. But Clive was cheerful and bright, and at last he tore himself away, insisting upon their returning, as he would have to hasten on. "Take care of her, Major," he cried, "and I'll send you plenty of letters. Keep a good heart--it will all come right in the end. Now-- goodbye." He sprang away, and they stood watching him as he stopped from time to time to wave his hand before plunging down into a hollow, and disappearing from their sight. They turned then, and walked back in silence to the cottage, each too much occupied with painful thoughts to attempt to speak, for a shadow seemed to have fallen over their lives which was gradually darkening; and there were moments when Dinah looked forward, and then clung spasmodically to her father's arm, for he broke out into angry mutterings from time to time, and as she looked in his face she could see that it was black with suppressed passion. At last they reached the river path, and the Major broke out: "I see it all plainly enough," he cried. "Clive was right; that scoundrel of a brother was down here as a spy, and, curse him, I entertained him for his sake. He has won round that fellow Sturgess, and they think they are going to do as they like; but if I am to be a shareholder, confound them! they shall find that I can be a sharp one too, so let them beware." CHAPTER THIRTY ONE. FOX AND WOLF. The days went by slowly and sadly. Letters came regularly enough, but they were not hopeful, for Clive told how he was hemmed in by difficulties which prevented his stirring: and, as he said, it would be madness to do anything which would involve legal proceedings and injure the prospects of the mine. There was nothing for it but to wait: for Wrigley had laid his plans only too well, and he and Jessop had everything in their own hands.