And if any thing happens--mines explode sometimes--thee can send for me.
Farewell." The opening of the Ilium coal mine was begun with energy, but without many omens of success.

Philip was running a tunnel into the breast of the mountain, in faith that the coal stratum ran there as it ought to.
How far he must go in he believed he knew, but no one could tell exactly.
Some of the miners said that they should probably go through the mountain, and that the hole could be used for a railway tunnel.

The mining camp was a busy place at any rate.

Quite a settlement of board and log shanties had gone up, with a blacksmith shop, a small machine shop, and a temporary store for supplying the wants of the workmen.
Philip and Harry pitched a commodious tent, and lived in the full enjoyment of the free life.
There is no difficulty in digging a bole in the ground, if you have money enough to pay for the digging, but those who try this sort of work are always surprised at the large amount of money necessary to make a small hole.

The earth is never willing to yield one product, hidden in her bosom, without an equivalent for it.