CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.
PLAYING MOLE.
Sir Edward met them as they ascended the slope, Mark having been taking mental notes all the way of the trend of the hills and the valley, seeing for certain that, in spite of its bulk and height, Ergles was a good deal lower than the range along the valley of the Gleame.
Their narrative of adventure below was listened to in silence, and Sir Edward grew moment by moment more interested till the whole was told.
"I don't think there is a doubt of it," he said.

"We are quite three hundred feet lower here, and in all probability it is the same underground stream as we have at the Tor; but whether it will be possible to get right through into this cavern is more than we can judge till we have tried." "But you will try, father ?" "Of course, my boy," cried Sir Edward; "and at once.

Here, we must have Daniel Rugg, and hear what he says." Dummy fetched his father, who listened in turn without a word.
"Sounds well, Rugg," said Sir Edward.
"Yes, Sir Edward; sounds well." "But is the grotto likely to run so far ?" "Lots on 'em do.

There's one yonder up in the Peak as goes for miles, and they've never yet found the end, nor where the water goes." "Well," said Sir Edward, after a few minutes' thought; "I'm afraid to be too sanguine.

This may all end in disappointment; but it shall be tried." "Now, at once, I s'pose, Sir Edward ?" "Now, at once." Ten men were chosen for the expedition, and Mark noted with satisfaction that Dan Rugg put forward those who had been accustomed to work in the mine.
"Better for getting along, Master Mark," said the miner, on seeing that Mark took notice of his action.
"But will ten be enough, Dan ?" "Why not, sir?
Ten, and me and Dummy's twelve, and you and Sir Edward fourteen.