His well-built, tight-knit figure gave one the impression that he was even stronger than he looked.
If only he had been a Sark man and had nothing to do with those horrid mines! But all her greatest dislikes met in him, and she could not bring herself to the point of relaxing one iota in these matters of which he was unfortunately and unconsciously guilty.
The state of affairs at the mines improved not one whit as the months dragged on.

There was a smouldering core of discontent which might break into flame at any moment--or into disastrous explosion if the necessary element were added.
Old Tom did his best, and stood loyally by the new captain and the interests of the mine and himself.

But he was in a minority and could so far do no more than oppose vehement talk to vehement talk, and that, as a rule, is much like pouring oil on roaring flames.
Not many of those who were shareholders in the mine were also workers in it, and the workers met constantly at the house of a neighbour, who had turned his kitchen to an undomestic but profitable purpose by supplying drink to the miners at what seemed to the English and Welshmen ridiculously low prices.
In that kitchen the new captain and his new methods were vehemently discussed and handled roughly enough--in words.

And hot words and the thoughts they excite, and wild thoughts and the words they find vent in, are at times the breeders of deeds that were better left undone.
To all financially interested in the mines the need for strictest economy and fullest efficiency was patent enough.

It was still a case of faith and hope--a case of continual putting in of work and money, and, so far, of getting little out--except the dross which intervened between them and their highest hopes.
There was silver there without a doubt, and the many thin veins they came across lured them on with constant hope of mighty pockets and deposits of which these were but the flying indications.
And all putting in and getting nothing out results in stressful times, in business ventures as in the case of individuals.