his own。 At length the day came。 Silfax had given no token of existence。
By daybreak the entire population of Coal Town was astir。 Work was suspended； overseers and workmen alike desired to do honor to Simon Ford and his son。 They all felt they owed a large debt of gratitude to these bold and persevering men； by whose means the mine had been restored to its former prosperity。 The ceremony was to take place at eleven o'clock； in St。 Giles's chapel； which stood on the shores of Loch Malcolm。
At the appointed time； Harry left the cottage； supporting his mother on his arm； while Simon led the bride。 Following them came Starr； the engineer； posed in manner； but in reality nerved to expect the worst； and Jack Ryan； stepping superb in full Highland piper's costume。 Then came the other mining engineers； the principal people of Coal Town； the friends and rades of the old overman…… every member of this great family of miners forming the population of New Aberfoyle。
In the outer world； the day was one of the hottest of the month of August； peculiarly oppressive in northern countries。 The sultry air perated the depths of the coal mine； and elevated the temperature。 The air which entered through the ventilating shafts； and the great tunnel of Loch Malcolm； was charged with electricity； and the barometer； it was afterwards remarked； had fallen in a remarkable manner。 There was； indeed； every indication that a storm might burst forth beneath the rocky vault which formed the roof of the enormous crypt of the very mine itself。
But the inhabitants were not at that moment troubling themselves about the chances of atmospheric disturbance above ground。 Everybody； as a matter of course； had put on his best clothes for the occasion。 Madge was dressed in the fa