I did my best to keep the place my own; my thoughts were never absent from it for a day.

And when I had earned a little money I put it by, and more to that, and more to that again, till I had got enough to make a bid for the lease of the old mine.

But Carew was under age; so that fell through.

I bided my time, and bid again; not much--not enough, as I fondly thought, to excite suspicion--but still what would seem a good price for a disused pit.

Then I bid more and more; but Carew will neither sell nor let; and my money grows and grows in vain.