practical minds than the rest； had always resisted this temptation。 They in no degree believed in the intervention of spirits； elves； or goblins。 These two were Simon Ford and his son。 And they proved it by continuing to inhabit the dismal crypt； after the desertion of the Dochart pit。 Perhaps good Madge； like every Highland woman； had some leaning towards the supernatural。 But she had to repeat all these stories to herself； and so she did； most conscientiously； so as not to let the old traditions be lost。
Even had Simon and Harry Ford been as credulous as their panions； they would not have abandoned the mine to the imps and fairies。 For ten years； without missing a single day； obstinate and immovable in their convictions； the father and son took their picks； their sticks； and their lamps。 They went about searching； sounding t