Jack Ryan was proud and delighted at the good fortune which had befallen his comrade.

He himself was getting on very well also.
They frequently met, either at the cottage or at the works in the pit.
Jack did not fail to remark the sentiments entertained by Harry towards Nell.

Harry would not confess to them; but Jack only laughed at him when he shook his head and tried to deny any special interest in her.
It must be noted that Jack Ryan had the greatest possible wish to be of the party when Nell should pay her first visit to the upper surface of the county of Stirling.

He wished to see her wonder and admiration on first beholding the yet unknown face of Nature.

He very much hoped that Harry would take him with them when the excursion was made.