The previous owner had died bankrupt from lack of capital, and his minor daughter had inherited it.

It was from the minor daughter that the elder Carroll had purchased it, partly with a view to assisting the child, who had been left penniless except for the mine, at the death of her father, who was of a distant branch of Carroll's own family.

With the proceeds of the sale the girl was supported and educated; then she lost the remainder through the dishonesty of her guardian.

That was the year after young Carroll began to work the mine.

Then he married her.