They've been at work, he says, for twenty miles round, as he knows, and they've stored up sacks of meal and corn, and sides of bacon, and hams, and pickle-tubs of pork.

There aren't no end to the stuff they've got, and then they've plenty of good water, both warm and cold." "Oh, don't talk about it," cried Mark; "it makes me feel as bad as can be." Dummy settled down into the mood which originated his name during the rest of the way, and the lads parted as they reached the Tor, Dummy to go down the steps to the mine to see how everything looked, and report to his father upon his return, and Mark to hurry up to his room, where Ralph Darley lay insensible still, and where he had a very warm reception from his sister and Master Rayburn.
"Then you have taken the place at last, Mark," cried Mary.
"No," said the lad, frowning, "and we're not likely to take it.

I say, Master Rayburn, isn't he a long time getting better ?" "Yes," said the old man gravely, "and perhaps after all it is a mercy that he remains insensible.

Poor fellow! it would be horrible for him, in his weak state, to lie fretting because he could not go to the help of his father and sister." Mark conveyed his message about Sir Edward's intentions for the following day, and he was bending down over the sufferer's pillow, thinking how very much he was changed, when there was a tap at the door, and an announcement that Dummy Rugg must see Master Mark directly.
"I must go, Mary," said Mark excitedly.

"Some one has come over after us." "Oh Mark!" cried the girl, looking startled, and clinging to him.
"Don't do that," cried the lad.