e to let him see us much together； we both knew it would be dangerous。 But I am talking too much about myself： the great thing is about you。〃
〃No； my child；〃 said James Starr； 〃tell us everything that es to your mind。〃
〃My grandfather；〃 continued Nell； 〃always regarded your abode in the mine with a very evil eye……not that there was any lack of space。 His chosen refuge was far……very far from you。 But he could not bear to feel that you were there。 If I asked any questions about the people up above us； his face grew dark； he gave no answer； and continued quite silent for a long time afterwards。 But when he perceived that； not content with the old domain； you seemed to think of encroaching upon his； then indeed his anger burst forth。 He swore that； were you to succeed in reaching the new mine； you should assuredly perish。 Notwithstanding his great age； his strength is astonishing； and his threats used to make me tremble。〃
〃Go on； Nell； my child；〃 said Simon to the girl； who paused as though to collect her thoughts。
〃On the occasion of your first attempt；〃 resumed Nell； 〃as soon as my grandfather saw that you were fairly inside the gallery leading to New Aberfoyle； he stopped up the opening； and turned it into a prison for you。 I only knew you as shadows dimly seen in the gloom of the pit； but I could not endure the idea that you would die of hunger in these horrid places； and so； at the risk of being detected； I succeeded in obtaining bread and water for you during some days。 I should have liked to help you to escape； but it was so difficult to avoid the vigilance of my grandfather。 You were about to die。 Then arrived Jack Ryan and the others。 By the providence of God I met with them； and instantly guided them to where you were。 When my gra