To the Major he said emphatically that as far as money matters were concerned there was nothing to mind, for the new management was bound for their own sake to do their best, as any lapse and falling off of the returns would be fatal to their position. To Dinah there were tender breathings of devotion, and the assurance that though absent he was with her always in spirit; and at the first opportunity he would run down. Ten days had passed, and one afternoon the Major had encountered Robson, whom he was passing with a short nod; but, after glancing round to see whether they were observed, the young man followed the Major and said quickly-- "I'm kept on at the mine, sir, because I know so much of the books, and they can't very well get along without me; but you looked at me so differently to what you used, sir, that I thought I'd speak." "Yes, sir: you belong to the enemy's camp," said the Major sharply. "No, I don't, sir, though I'm there, and I wish to goodness Mr Clive Reed was back, for Sturgess is unbearable with his bullying ways; and as for Mr Jessop, he's no more like his brother than chalk's like cheese. Think there's any chance of Mr Clive coming back?" "Yes, my lad, every chance, if we're true to him," cried the Major; "and I beg your pardon, Mr Robson, I thought you were one of the scoundrels. I'm very glad to find you are not." "I thank you, sir," cried the young man; "and if you write to Mr Clive Reed, please tell him so long as I'm in the mine office the books shall be kept just as he wished, so that any one can see at a glance how matters stand." "And I thank you too, Mr Robson. I, as a shareholder, am very glad that we have so good a man in your administrative post. But tell me, how are the returns?" "Wonderful, sir. They increase every day. The profits will be enormous." "And is this man Sturgess doing his duty?" "Oh! yes, sir, splendidly," said Robson, laughing. "By his new agreement he is to get a percentage upon the metal smelted. I don't like him, but there's no mistake in his working." "Humph, that's right," growled the Major. "And now, sir, if you'll excuse me, I'll go, for if it was known that I talked about the mine affairs, I should be packed off; and for Mr Clive Reed's sake I want to stay." "Right: good day. I daresay we shall run up against each other again." They parted, and none too soon, for, hammer in hand, the Major had just plunged down into a gully when Robson caught sight of a tiny cloud of smoke rising above a ridge before him. Quick as thought he threw himself down among the heather, and lay peering between two tufts, till Jessop came into sight directly after, puffing away at a big cigar as he walked sharply along the track, passing the spot where the clerk lay, and evidently going in the direction of the cottage. Robson looked uneasy, and his forehead began to wrinkle with the thoughts which entered his brain. He was puzzled at first; then suspicious; and at last determined.