I shall run off to Bristol some day and go to sea, that's what I shall do." But that was the next day.

That evening I stood with my father at the gate till Bob and his father were out of sight in the lane, and then we went back into the parlour, where my father lit his pipe and sat smoking and gazing at me.
"Well, Sep," he said after a pause, "don't you want to know how the mine is getting on ?" "Yes, father," I said; "but I didn't like to ask." "Well, I'll tell you without, my boy.

I've not got much profit out of it at present, because the expenses of starting have been so great; but it's a very fine thing, my boy." "Is it going to make you rich, father ?" "I hope so, boy, for your sake.

There's plenty of lead, and out of the lead we are able to get about four per cent of silver." "Four per cent, father!" I said; "what--interest ?" "No, boy, profit.

I mean in every hundred pounds of lead there are four pounds of pure silver, but of course it costs a good deal to refine." "And may I go and see it all to-morrow ?" I asked.
"To be sure; and I hope, after a year or two, you will be of great use to me there." I felt as if I could hardly sleep that night when I went to bed.